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New Haven Open at Yale: World-Class Tennis in an Intimate Connecticut Setting

By , About.com Guide

Lindsay Davenport Photo - Pilot Pen Tennis in New Haven Connecticut

Lindsay Davenport waves to the crowd after winning the 2005 Pilot Pen Tennis tournament in New Haven, Connecticut.

© 2005 Kim Knox Beckius

What is the New Haven Open at Yale?:

The New Haven Open at Yale is the new name for the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament. With Pilot Pen out as title sponsor, the tournament, which had been expanded in 2005 to also feature a men's tournament, returns in 2011 to its original format as solely a women's tennis tournament. The New Haven Open is the final women's tournament in the six-week Olympus US Open Series leading into the US Open. Because it is considered a warm-up for the US Open, the event draws many of the top names in women's tennis to New Haven, Connecticut. In addition to women's singles, there will also be women's and mixed doubles competitions.

When is the New Haven Open at Yale?:

Qualifying rounds for the 2011 New Haven Open at Yale will be held August 19 and 20. The main draw is scheduled for Sunday, August 21 through Saturday, August 27, 2011. The women's singles finals take place on Saturday, August 27, at 5 p.m. The women's doubles final begins earlier that day at 1 p.m., followed by the US Open National Playoffs Mixed Doubles Finals.

Who Are the Players to Watch at the 2011 New Haven Open at Yale?:

The women's field features defending three-time Pilot Pen champion Caroline Wozniacki, who is ranked number one in the world. Other top women players include 2010 French Open Champion Francesca Schiavone, who is currently ranked eighth and two-time Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova, who is ranked 12th in the world.

How Can I Get Tickets to the New Haven Open at Yale?:

You can purchase tickets online or by calling toll free, 855-4-NHTENNIS. Tickets can be purchased individually or in a variety of package plans.

How Do I Get to the New Haven Open at Yale?:

The tournament is held at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University in New Haven. From the Hartford area, follow Route 91 South to Exit 1 for Route 34 West, then take Exit 3. Continue straight for about 1 mile. Turn right onto Ella T. Grasso Boulevard/Route 10. At the first light, turn left onto Derby Avenue. At the intersection of Derby and Central Avenues, turn right. Parking will be on your left. More Directions

What is the New Haven Open Experience Like?:

I had an opportunity to watch the women's finals at the Pilot Pen in 2005, and I was impressed not only by the intimacy of the venue but by the energy of the crowd. There isn't a bad seat in the house, and tennis fans have an opportunity to see world-class players up close right here in New England. In addition to the schedule of tennis matches, the New Haven Open tournament also features vendor exhibits, giveaways and a surprisingly diverse selection of food options. Sunday, August 21, 2011 is Kids Day featuring discounted admission, player autograph sessions and activities for kids.

Are There Any Getaway Packages Available for the New Haven Open at Yale?:

Yes! The Study and the Omni New Haven Hotel offer special New Haven Open packages that include accommodations, a welcome gift, a $50 dining certificate, transportation from the hotel to the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale and box seat tickets to the tournament. To reserve your travel package, call toll free, 855-4-NHTENNIS.

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How Can I Learn More About the New Haven Open at Yale?:

Visit the New Haven Open at Yale Web site for complete information on participating players, the tournament schedule, televised matches, standings and more. You can also call toll free, 855-4-NHTENNIS, for additional information.

What Else Can I See and Do in New Haven?:

The City of New Haven will offer free trolley transportation between the Connecticut Tennis Center and downtown New Haven. Here are some additional things to see and do while you're in New Haven:

Tour Center Church Crypt

Enjoy Vegetarian Fare at Claire's Corner Copia

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary tickets for the purpose of reviewing this event. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
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