By Raymond Rolak
New York– The U.S. Open Tennis Tournament is in full swing in Flushing Meadows. On the eve of the start of the tourney, it was the perfect time to honor the ‘Hot’ gals of tennis. Hot, as in world ranked number one, Caroline Wozniacki. Just after coming off another win at The New Haven Open, Wozniacki is again the glamour gal of world tennis.
Despite a brief rain delay and threatening weather from Hurricane Irene, she won her fourth straight Connecticut championship on the Yale campus. Wozniacki defeated Petra Cetkovska 6-4, 6-1.
Then it was on to New York for the Republic of Poland reception. She was with her new boyfriend, golfer Rory McIlroy who just happened to win the U.S. Open Golf title in June by eight strokes. He is still basking in that glow by winning such a prestigious title at the Congressional in Washington, D.C.
The couple was front and center at the dinner catered by the celebrated Amber Steakhouse of the Polish Greenpoint area in Brooklyn and hosted by the Polish Consulate General in New York. After a video presentation Consular spokesperson Przemyslaw Balcerzyk pointed out the historic items in the dining room to a very receptive audience.
Joining Wozniacki in the receiving line was Marta Domachowska, Urszula Radwanska, Agnieszka Radwanska, Klaudia Jans-Ignacik, Alicja Rosolski and Angelique Kerber.
The tennis players and guests were enthusiastic about getting the special meal presentation. Amber Steakhouse general manager Andrzej Dynisckiewicz explained about the food preparation. “Our head chef, Patryk Czenczek only picks the finest cuts and ages the beef. We get the best American beef from longtime and distinguished provider Henryk Skrodzki of Greenpoint.”
Said INGLOT Cosmetics representative Marek Skulimowski, “This gives the players a chance to decompress and socialize in comfortable surroundings.” Most were amazed at the authentic period fixtures in the Consulates’ Beaux Arts De Lamar Mansion on Madison Avenue.
McIlrory was comfortable talking about golf, tennis and being the ‘It’ couple. “I think we definitely spur each other on. She’s number one in the world and that’s a big goal of mine. I want to become the best player in the world also,” added McIlroy. After the consular function he was off to the European Masters in Switzerland.
He added, “I got to watch in Cincinnati and in New Haven and she is remarkable. She’s got a great work ethic and it’s something I can probably learn a lot from. Tennis is a lot more physically demanding than golf. They do put the work in, they really do. It’s just amazing how they can get up each morning and keep doing the same thing, putting their bodies through that. It’s pretty impressive.”
The evening also gave time for Wozniacki to socialize with her best friend on the tour, Agnieszka Radwanska. Radwanska is ranked # 12 in the WTA. All of the world class players at the reception received a welcome bag of gifts from Polish-American sponsors. Front and center were the cosmetics from renowned international manufacturer INGLOT Cosmetics. Also, JustPerfect Jewelry, Zywiec Beer, DONNAY Racquets, Amber Steakhouse and Johan Kriek Tennis Academy contributed to the event.
The U.S. Open tennis show just isn’t on the court. In addition to world-class play, the U.S. Open features live music and entertainment all week on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The next time you are flying out of New York, take a quick look on take-off. Right near the grounds of the 1964 New York World’s Fair in Corona Park, you can get a great view of the Queens, New York tennis venue. Out of LaGuardia Airport get a window seat and look quick to see if you can count the 20 courts and tennis stadium complex.
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/entertainment.html?promo=subnav