Thousands flock to Queens every year to watch professional tennis. But as NY1's Shannan Ferry explains, some also took time to celebrate the borough and all it has to offer.
Daylin Guallpa may not have much tennis experience, but she's already hitting with a real pro.
The 10-year-old played doubles with 2016 Rio Olympic Gold Medalist Monica Puig of Puerto Rico.
"She's a good player and she actually is beautiful," said Guallpa.
A youth clinic was one of the many activities offered at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Wednesday for Queens Day.
The 4th annual celebration featured local performers, exhibitions and family workshops all for free.
The goal of the event is to acknowledge the boroughs diversity and culture, while also giving back to the Queens community.
"Because we are part of Queens, we live in Queens we're part of the Queens fabric and part of the community and we want to celebrate that," said USTA Executive Director Gordon Smith.
While officials said plenty of people visit the borough for the tournament, the real goal is to get them to come back and explore everything else the borough has to offer.
"It's a way for us to showcase our arts and culture and also our small businesses, and all of the folks who come out to enjoy the US open," said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.
Meantime, many kids said they hope to be back at the US Open as players someday.
Puig said for her that's what Queens Day is all about, inspiring local youth one ground stroke at a time.
"It's so nice to always give back, and you know, these little kids,I was one of them once so I know exactly how it feels and how it feels when you know, someone gives you all that attention," said Puig.
The tournament runs through September 10.