On Thursday, August 21, 2025, nearly fifty members of the Retired Men’s Association (RMA) of Greenwich, joined by family and friends, took part in an unforgettable day at the US Open Tennis Fan Week in Flushing Meadows, Queens.
This special trip offered attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the excitement leading up to the year’s final Grand Slam tournament.
Throughout the day, the group enjoyed practice sessions featuring top-ranked stars including Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and other elite players, as well as rising competitors battling through the qualifying rounds.
In addition to the on-court action, members explored interactive fan experiences and soaked in the high-energy atmosphere that makes Fan Week a highlight of the tennis season.
Peter Orbanski, RMA member and co-owner with his wife Susi of the Old Greenwich Tennis Academy. Contributed photo
“Fan Week gives fans a chance to connect with tennis in a way that feels personal, up-close, and inspiring,” said Peter Orbanski, RMA member and co-owner with his wife Susi of the Old Greenwich Tennis Academy. “Watching practice sessions allows one to truly appreciate these athletes’ remarkable skillsets—their swings, form, and styles are each so unique.”
The event also created memorable moments across generations. RMA member Joseph Mancinelli shared how special it was to attend with his 11-year-old grandson, Nick Contronei, saying “Nick was thrilled to see his favorite player, Carlos Alcaraz, from just a few feet away. It was an experience only Fan Week could provide.”
RMA member Joseph Mancinelli with his 11- year-old grandson, Nick Controne. Contributed photo
This marks the RMA’s second annual trip to the US Open, part of its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for fellowship and enrichment.
Other recent and planned excursions have included visits to Yale University museums, New York Botanical Gardens, West Point football, the upcoming Miette Culinary Studio dinner in NYC, and more.
Locally recognized for its almost 20,000 hours of annual community service, the Retired Men’s Association of Greenwich also offers one of the area’s premier speaker programs, along with active internal clubs dedicated to books, wellness, bridge, artificial intelligence, golf, tennis, boating, and other pursuits that keep its members engaged and connected.
Retired men interested in learning more about the RMA are encouraged to visit www.GreenwichRMA.org or attend a weekly meeting held every Wednesday at 9:15am in the Parish Hall of Christ Church Greenwich on East Putnam Avenue. The speaker program opens to the general public at 10:40am for the weekly featured 11:00am speaker. Upcoming speakers can be found at www.GreenwichRMA.org/Speakers.
About 50 members of the Retired Men’s Association (RMA) of Greenwich, joined by family and friends, took part in an unforgettable day at the US Open Tennis Fan Week in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Aug 21, 2025. Contributed photo