On Wednesday, August 21st, the idyllic Park Terrace Hotel located near Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan, hosted “Courtside Conversations” to celebrate the start of the US Open tennis tournament. Top-seeded tennis players Katie Boulter from the United Kingdom, Alex de Minaur from Australia, and Arthur Fils from France were present to speak at a panel hosted by Kathy Buccio.
The players gushed over the unique atmosphere of playing one of the world’s premiere tennis tournaments in New York City, and the grandeur of the world’s largest tennis stadium, Arthur Ashe Arena. Fils, a twenty-year-old budding tennis star, spoke of his hope to get the opportunity to play on the renowned court.
Boulter recounted her recent Olympic experience, describing how special it was to represent her country at the Paris Olympics. She noted that the Olympics was one of the most memorable moments of her career so far.
De Minaur, who recently battled injuries that led him to withdraw from Wimbledon earlier in the year, spoke of his gratitude for his recovery and eagerness to get back on the court.
But it was Fils who stole the show, lighting up the room with his earnestness to find “the best French restaurant in the city” and eagerness to taste New York’s unmatched dining scene. When Buccio asked him what he liked to do to relax off-court, he responded simply “Rollercoasters!” prompting a roar of laughter from the crowd.
“Courtside Conversations” at the Park Terrace was a night to remember and gave guests the rare opportunity to hear from three of tennis’ brightest stars in anticipation of New York’s most exciting summer event.