slides: Tennis Hall of Fame: A View from the Stands

Friday, July 17, 2015

Carol Anne Costa, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Dustin Brown

Thursday at the Hall of Fame was by all accounts a perfect 10. The gorgeous weather was matched only by the line up of superb tennis on the Bill Talbert Stadium Court. So much was underway on the courts and on the path that winds its way through the beautiful Tennis HAll of Fame.

The action on stadium was well worth the price of admission. Rajeev Ram excused Adrian Mannarino and another seed, Sam Querrey fell to the flashy and favorite Dustin Brown. All matches were played on Bill Talbert Stadium Court. But, a lot more was cooking around the grounds.

The Horseshoe Piazza was filled with style. Fashion is as much part of the event as the tennis. Thursday was fashion day at the Hall of Fame. Seersucker, straw hats, vibrant flouncy tunics were the order of the day. Day 4 was Alex and Ani’s Ladies Day Runway Show and fans and players walked the catwalk together. ATP professionals Matthew Ebden and Austin Kraijek treated the attendees to tennis eye candy. The Tennis Hall of Fame also unveiled their custom sneaker designed by Fila and modeled by Tennis Hall of Fame CEO, Todd Martin. The shoe is on sale now at the Hall of Fame retail store.

On Day 4, we met honorary ball kid, Braylon O’Neill. If Braylon looks familiar, he was featured in a Microsoft Super Bowl commercial and is fresh off his Today Show appearance where his new BFFs are Natalie Morales and Willie Geist. Braylon got to escort Semifinalist Rajeev Ram to Center Court as well as do the coin flip. He hung out with 79 of his new ball kid friends and enjoyed a simply terrific day. Take a minute and read Braylon’s inspiring story http://inspiremykids.com/2015/braylon-oneill-lifes-throws-curveball-hit-park/ ;

All in all, Day 4 at the Tennis Hall of Fame was a winner! On tap for tomorrow, battles for the semifinal slots will continue by remaining seeds. Including Jack Sock (4) vs. Jan Hernych and Dustin Brown vs. Ivo Karlovic (2) #seeyouatthematches

Carol Anne Costa in addition to being a MINDSETTER for GoLocal has solid roots in the tennis world. Costa founded the Rhode Island High School Tennis Coaches Association. A Rhode Island Interscholastic High School Coach from 1981–1990. She is also a Rhode Island High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Famer, inducted in the class of 2011. Carol will be reporting from the grass courts of International Tennis Hall of Fame on the tennis and so much more, as the Hall of Fame Championships main draw singles and doubles are underway.

Related Slideshow: Tennis Hall of Fame Championships - Day 4 Action

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Rajeev Ram contiuned through the draw in the hope of once again, hoisting the Van Alen Cup. Ram, w on the tournament as a "Lucky Loser" in 2009.

When asked if Newport holds a special place, his answer was simple and clear, " it is the surface and my old school style of play. Mannarino was a tough opponent today but, I was able to convert some close points." Ram showcased his big serve and volley style, and his groundstrokes were precise.

The match was tight and well received by the fans. Ram appears to be emerging as the crowd favorite.

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Dustin Brown defeated Sam Querrey to advance to the semi finals.

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The doubles final was a thriller, finishing as the sunset over the casino. Ram and Krajieck took the match over Mark Philippoussis and his partner Ryan Harrison.

The crowd so appreciated the fast play at net and the booming serves from former champ