What should Florida tennis fans know about this year's US Open?

It's here! The US Open has arrived. And although it's in New York, Florida fans have plenty to learn about this year's exciting grand slam in New York.

First off, there's a wide array of Florida players to root for in both the men's and women's draw this year. Jaret Kappelman at USTA Florida recently did a fantastic round-up of Florida players to look out for at the US Open. 

Leading the way is Coco Gauff, who just won tournaments in Cincinnati and Washington, D.C., and she'll be rocking some cool, new kicks from New Balance in New York. Other players to look out on the women's side include Danielle Collins, Sofia Kenin, and Sloan Stephens. Residing (at times) in the Palm Beach area is also contender Jessica Pegula.

Above: Delray Beach-based Coco Gauff. Photo: New Balance.

The men's draw also has some stars from the Sunshine State. Ben Shelton, the rising star from Gainesville, just graced the cover of Florida Tennis magazine. Sebastian Korda, Austin Krajicek, and Boca Raton-based Tommy Paul also stand a chance of making some deep runs this year in New York.

If you've been up here at the US Open, it was really cool to see Miami Heat superstar, Jimmy Butler, hanging out with Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday night. It was all part of the US Open's Stars of the Open event which raised $320,000 for Ukraine humanitarian relief.

Above: Miami Heat star Jimmy Bulter stands tall in between Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz. Photo: Pete Staples / USTA.

And, if you've flown up to the US Open from Florida, you probably want to take home some cool gear to remember the event. Wilson will host a pop-up store offering its latest US Open collection of rackets and accessories, as well as “Noir,” a limited-edition drop available in Blade V8, Pro Staff V14, Ultra V4 and Clash V2.

Wilson will also have an exclusive assortment of new styles being showcased along with commemorative US Open graphic tees, including a limited-edition Billie Jean King tee, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Sexes and equal prize money.

Above: Ukranian tennis pro Marta Kostyuk showing off her new look from Wilson. Photo: Wilson.

“It’s been an amazing experience working with the Wilson team to influence the designs of my gear from head-to-toe, for each match,” says Marta Kostyuk. “I can’t wait to take the court in New York, with my new, favorite ‘tennis ball’ yellow dress that is hard to miss!”

Something else cool to check out is US Open Equity experience. As part of the experience, the Latin America Tennis Foundation, co-founded by Rosie Casals, will showcase an immersive on-site display featuring achievements by Pancho Gonzalez, Pancho Segura, Rafael Osuna, Alex Olmedo, Gabriela Sabatini, Mary Joe Fernandez, Gigi Fernandez and many others.

In the end, there's plenty to do if you're a Floridian at the US Open. If not, there's some great tennis (and plenty of Florida stars) to cheer for in the coming two weeks.

===

Written by Florida Tennis' Executive Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman. Source:  USTA Florida,  New Balance,  Wilson,  Latin America Tennis Foundation. Artwork at top: US Open.