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Players, Food, Style: Our Ultimate Guide To The U.S. Open


Photos courtesy of Adidas.

Here at Refinery29, there's a very special event that we're hotly anticipating, and for a week, this New York happening will be the most buzzed-about spot in the country. Celeb sightings are in order, as well as tons of celebration. And you better believe the the pressure is on for those who have been preparing months for this. If you reach Lincoln Center...keep moving. Yup, we're heading to Queens for the U.S. Open. It's a grand slam championship and the oldest tennis tournament in the world. With the help of our fave sportswear stars, Adidas, we whole-heartedly welcome a week in sporting history. Adidas, always ahead of the game in sport and style, is feting the launch of their exclusive line of custom kicks. And, we're following along with the scoop on who to look for, what to wear, and where to eat in between, and during the tennis matches. Fashion Week, but certainly not fashion, takes a back seat while we kick off the U.S. Open!
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Photos courtesy of Adidas.
Meet the Players

Maria Kirilenko
If you don't know the name Maria Kirilenko (left), we're sure you know her good friend, Stella McCartney. Maria was Stella's muse when she launched her exclusive line with Adidas back in 2006. Maria also showed off her modeling chops as part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in 2009. However, this Russian-born beauty is just as stunning on the court as she is off. Next week, Maria will be playing in her ninth U.S. Open championship, at the young age of 24, having finished in the third round of last year's match, and now hoping to break through to the quarter finals.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
If Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (right) takes it all the way at the U.S. Open, she won't be able to pop bottles to celebrate…at least not legally. The 20-year-old tennis star is no stranger to grand slams having won the honor of ITF World Junior Champion five years ago. We honestly don't expect much less from a lady whose immediate, and extended family history reads like a sports hall of fame.

Photos courtesy of Adidas.
Viktor Trocki Considered one of the top Serbian tennis players, Viktor (left) takes to the U.S. Open once again, following three prior years at the grand slam. In his first year at the Open, he made it through to the third round in singles, and unfortunately hasn't made it back there since. But hopes are high, considering his follow up to 2010 in which he won the historic Davis Cup, making the 25-year-old a home-country hero.
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Marcos Baghdatis
Within his first three years of going pro, Marcos (right) climbed the ranks to break the top 10 players. Now the nearly-10-year professional, attends his 6th U.S. Open tournament. This past year, the Cyprus native has gained most notoriety with a win at the ATP World Tour 250 tournament. He enters the U.S. Open having won nearly as many matches this year as he had loss, but a real court-side superstar nonetheless.

Photo courtesy of Pio Pio.
Where to Refuel
So, you're in Flushing, Queens, and yes, you've had a thrilling good time watching that neon ball bounce back and forth. Now you're hungry, and the quest becomes, "What the hell does one eat while in Flushing, Queens?" Well fear not city dwellers, whether you're a seasoned New Yorker or just visiting, we've put together a round-up of some of Flushing's most delectable dining spots. From a New York institution to refreshing shaved ice to delightful sangria and ceviche, with this list, Flushing might quickly become one of your favorite foodie neighborhoods!
Joe's Shanghai
Founded in Flushing, NY, in 1995, Joe's Shanghai quickly became a diner's staple. Offering hungry New Yorkers on a budget the juiciest of soup dumplings—both pork and crab. If you're a dumpling nut, this is a must eat on your list of dumpling houses.
136-21 37th Avenue (near Main Street); 718-539-3838.
Mapo BBQ
The summer is all about BBQs and beers. Why not continue your summer with a little Korean BBQ? Mapo is known for their generous portions of kobe beef short ribs grilled to perfection. Not a meat lover? Indulge in Banchan (the small gratis dishes of pickles and salads brought to you before the meal), spicy tofu, veggie pancakes, or raw crabs served in zesty pepper sauce.
14924 41st Avenue (near Frame Place); 718-886-8292.
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Pio Pio
Looking to dip your proverbial toe in South America? Take a hop, skip, and a cab ride over to Pio Pio, and you'll be staring into the belly of the best ceviche and traditional Peruvian rotisserie chicken in town. Offering attentive service and more than generous portions, Pio Pio's Peruvian palace will have you rubbing your belly in no time.
84-02 Northern Blvd (between 84 and 85 streets); 718-426-4900.
Snopo at the New World Mall
Drooling for something a little sweet and refreshing? Treat yourself to some shaved ice from Snopo in the New World mall. This sweet tooth's temple of worship offers up frozen treats in the form of flavor infused shaved ice. The technique includes adding milk; giving the ice a fluffy not quite ice cream, not quite flavor-ice texture. Flavors like green matcha (green tea), lychee, honey dew, and coffee can be embellished with toppings from tapioca balls to red beans. Sound complicated? Don't fret, The New World Mall also boasts some other delicious food options.
New World Mall Food Court; 40-21 Main Street (near 40th Road).
What To Sport
Our U.S. Open guide would simply be incomplete without what-to-wear instruction. When it comes to the world of sports, we make quite a few sacrifices—i.e. sitting in the heat for several hours to watch an intense round of double matches—but our style is never one of them. We're opting for a fresh take on spectator gear with a nod and wink to our favorite pastime. Forget traditional tennis skirts and shoes, we're opting for leopard prints and bold stripes. We also love, pun intended, this heart-in-hands T-shirt, bracelets brighter than a Spalding ball, and skinny jeans with stretch that will still be comfortable after a day's worth of championship fun.

ASOS T-Shirt with 'My Heart in Your Hands' Print, $32.93, available at ASOS;
Topshop Premium Stripe Mini Skirt, $76, available at Top Shop;
Devora Libin Goldtone Pave Macrame Bracelet, $110, available at Max & Cleo; Sarah Summer Espadrille Patent Flats, $120, available at Luisa Via Roma; Prada Calf Hair Tennis Shoe, $495, available at Bergdorf Goodman; All Saints Barwell Pipe Skinny, $120, available at All Saints; Top Shop Coral Sleeveless Grandad Jersey Shirt, $36, available at Top Shop; J. Crew Edie Pursette, $148, available at J. Crew.

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