US Open 2015: A Global Affair

Game. Set. Match. Tennis lovers from around the world are flocking to New York for the US Open 2015 tennis tournament. This year’s Women’s and Men’s draws include some old and new faces from countries like Switzerland, Spain, Japan and France. Here are some players hitting some powerful shots on court!

Roger Federer, Switzerland

Currently Men’s World Number 2, Roger Federer has been regarded by many as the greatest tennis player ever. Born in Basel, Switzerland, his hometown is where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Roger Federer has described Basil as "one of the most beautiful cities in the world". The town is dotted with buildings of architectural and cultural significance and the Old Town of Basel, which is a heritage site. 

Petra Kvitová, Czech Republic

Petra Kvitová won her first Grand Slam title in 2011 at Wimbledon. Though born and having lived most of her life in the Czech Republic, she is now a resident of Monte Carlo, Monaco. Often termed as the ‘playground for the wealthy’, Monte Carlo is one of Europe’s top tourist resorts with attractions like the Prince’s Palace, Monaco Cathedral and Napoleon Museum drawing several visitors every year. Other famous professional tennis players that live in Monte Carlo are current Men’s World Number 1 Novak Djokovic and former Women’s World Number 1 players Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga first made ripples on the tennis circuit in 2008 when he defeated seasoned seeded players at the Australian Open. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga hails from Le Mans, France. The city has long been associated with motor sports, having hosted the first French Grand Prix in 1906. Le Mans continues to host the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's oldest active sports car race in endurance racing dating back to 1923.

Samantha Stosur, Australia

In 2011, Samantha Stosur made history by defeating Serena Williams at the US Open to win the championship.  Hailing from Australia, Samantha Stosur was born in Brisbane but has made Gold Coast, Queensland her home. Blessed with natural beauty, Gold Coast is a tourist paradise with its golden beaches and white surfs, theme parks and rainforest hinterland including the World Heritage area of Lamington National Park.

Andy Murray, Great Britain

Originally of Scottish descent, Andy Murray started playing tennis when he was three years old. Through his illustrious tennis career, he has won the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon championships, defeating Novak Djokovic in both instances. Andy Murray is a resident of the city of London famous for its cosmopolitan culture. London attracts tourists all through the year who come to see its famous sites including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Tower of London and Westminster Abby, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.