Ground Pass On Site is back! After a little break since Charleston, it feels good to be back at a tournament. And not just any tournament — this is my first time at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport and my first time at a grass court event. A double debut!
I arrived to a bit of cloud cover and rain, but honestly, just stepping onto the grounds gave me that familiar tournament thrill. The Hall of Fame Open used to be an ATP 250, but this year it returns as a combined ATP Challenger and WTA 125 event — which means more players, more matches, and even more tennis to explore.
And let me tell you, they are making the most of the space. This is a small, intimate venue with just one main court and a few outer courts — all side by side, with just a line of line-calling tech and a chair umpire between them. I was amazed at how focused the players stayed, even with a match happening just steps away. Even the main court is split down the middle, with two matches running at once. It’s a bit of organized tennis chaos — in the best way.
Despite the weather, the grounds were buzzing. The clouds eventually cleared, and fans packed the stands and the walkways. It’s one of the most charming tournament venues I’ve been to — lush, green, and full of history. The wooden buildings that surround the courts are beautifully preserved, and the grounds are incredibly walkable.
As with most day ones, I think of it as a soft launch — no top seeds yet, but still lots to take in. I caught Eliot Spizzirri and Destanee Aiava in action, both scoring wins in their openers.
I also had the chance to catch up with Eliot after his match — keep an eye out for that conversation in an upcoming Meet the Players episode.
All in all, a great intro to Newport. I’ll be back on site today — and yes, I’m definitely planning to check out the museum.
👉 Planning a tennis trip? Forward this post to a friend who’s thinking about hitting the tournament trail.
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