To say I am a tennis fanatic is an understatement. As a former Varsity tennis player and a still-competitive player today, it has brought me great joy to watch our daughter Sadie find the same passion and vigor for the sport. Today she has far out-performed my level of skill playing Varsity Singles for one of the best teams in the state, Staples High School. From watching her play on the courts to sitting court-side (or couch-side) for every major from the U.S. to Australian Opens, matches at Rolland Garros or on grass at Wimbledon, tennis is central to our family. Our recent trip to London would not have been complete without a visit to the famed courts to take pictures in the very seat Carlos Alcaraz just sat for his interview when he won the men’s singles Wimbledon championship for the second time. Sadie’s longtime wish since it launched was a trip to the traveling Laver Cup last year in Vancouver; so she and my husband went on a father/daughter trip where she met some of her tennis idols face-to-face for some fun when the athletes are a bit more relaxed. So when I found out Billie Jean King was going to be speaking at The Westport Library at BOOKED on the heels of the U.S. Open, I truly jumped with excitement at the opportunity to interview her. The legend is as wise as she is wonderful. For a deep dive into one of the most impressive careers in competitive women’s tennis flip to page TKfor my version of a dream face-to-face meeting! In this issue we also jump into my favorite time in Westport, Weston & Wilton: fall. We discuss the booming salad spots opening in our towns; fashion and wellness trends (have you heard of age-defying face yoga?); seasonal home décor updates (think luxe throw blankets and cozy pillows); and a new school year from our Teens to Watch to our tips from Julie Vincente, who reminds us to be aware of ourselves when we turn over — hopefully not all of our — time to kids during the start of another academic year. Enjoy a new issue, and a fresh new season, to celebrate the greatness of the stunning state of Connecticut.
Siriano’s The Collective West
