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The National Tennis Center in Flushing is home to the U.S. Open, the last and loudest of the Grand Slam’s four major tennis championships held across the world. (Even though Mayor Dinkins famously shifted La Guardia Airport’s flight pattern for the tournament, planes still roar nearby.) The event is considered the premier athletic event in New York City, and the action lasts three weeks at the stadium. When the center is not used for U.S. Tennis Association-sanctioned events, the 15 outdoor and 9 indoor courts are open for public use. For $18-56 an hour, wannabe Serenas can play on the courts, or take private lessons that run from $80-$130/hr. — Nick Divito

Qualifying matches, held the week before the Open, are free to the public.

Note
The Tennis Center is closed mid-Aug.—early-Sep. during the U.S. Open.

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