While the world's top tennis stars battle for glory on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, their secret weapon lies just minutes away in an unassuming Queens Italian restaurant that has become the tournament's unofficial canteen.
Nestled in the Corona neighbourhood, Rizzo's Fine Pizza has emerged as the culinary sanctuary where champions refuel with massive plates of pasta away from the paparazzi's glare. Despite its modest appearance, this family-run establishment has served every Grand Slam winner of the past decade, becoming as much a part of the US Open tradition as the Arthur Ashe Stadium itself.
The Champions' Choice
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is such a regular that staff know his order before he walks through the door. The Serbian superstar favours the rigatoni with salmon, a dish he credits with providing the perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein for peak performance.
American sweetheart Coco Gauff opts for the fettuccine alfredo with chicken, while former world number one Andy Murray consistently orders the penne alla vodka. The restaurant's owner, Tony Rizzo, notes that 'they come for the consistency - they know exactly what they're getting nutrition-wise before a big match.'
A Sanctuary From the Spotlight
What makes Rizzo's so appealing to the tennis elite isn't just the quality of the food, but the discretion it offers. Unlike Manhattan's celebrity hotspots, this Queens establishment provides a rare opportunity for athletes to dine without interruption.
The restaurant has perfected the art of giving stars their space while ensuring their nutritional needs are met. Chefs will often prepare meals at specific times to accommodate match schedules, and the back area has become known as 'the champions' corner' where players can eat undisturbed.
With the US Open entering its decisive phase, the kitchen at Rizzo's is preparing for increased demand as players seek the perfect meal to power them to victory. For these athletes, championship dreams are built not just on training courts, but in the cozy booths of this unlikely tennis institution.
