STRINGING AT THE US OPEN {2007}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

I reported for stringing at the 2007 US Open in mid-August. While construction and maintenance workers finished preparations for the championships, there were already at least 256 players on site preparing for and competing in the qualification rounds, affectionately known as the “qualies.” Also, some main-draw players arrived early to practice during qualies week. That translates to a busy stringing room. There is very little difference between stringing for the main draw and for the qualification rounds. All the players are professionals and require the best possible preparation of their equipment in their quest for better rankings and better paydays.

Wilson was the contractor for on-site stringing and provided outstanding arrangements for the stringers from whom they demanded the highest level of professionalism. Ron Rocchi of Wilson assembled an international team of renowned tournament stringers. Having strung at other major tournaments from Paris to Beijing, I was prepared for the “routine” of long hours of demanding work for days on end—no surprises there. The “early-shift” stringers left the hotel in Manhattan about 5 am and opened the stringing room about 6 am. The “late-shift” stringers left frames overnight for us to have ready for pick-up later that day. The stringing team completed many frames with the “Federer” style hybrid stringing, namely, natural gut in the mains and polyester in the crosses. This combination was popular because of Federer, not because it makes sense for most players. As usual, there were frames with “cosmetics” that did not match the racquet. One frame included markings that said 18 x 20 string pattern but was drilled as a 16 x 19.

At many tournaments stringers have little direct contact with the players they serve. At the US Open the stringing room was in the Player Services area which is the hub of off-court action. Our credentials gave us access to the player’s lounge and cafeteria so I enjoyed being able to mingle with the players informally at break times. I was amazed at how some of the tiniest players could clean up large platefuls of food!

Many courts were visible through the large windows in the players lounge. Watching the players preparing for the qualifier matches I noticed that they made many of the same mistakes as junior players: nervous shots, over-hitting, inconsistency, poor footwork, and so on. All levels of competitors need plenty of match play to hone their skills.

I string at the major tournaments because I always learn something new from my colleagues, who have become my friends over the years. I return to my shop tired but inspired. Tournament stringing always helps me improve my skills, increase my knowledge, and give my customers superior service.

COPYRIGHT 2007
By Vince Chiarelli, MRT, PTR, Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo, Florida