The secret weapon of the top US Open stars

NEW YORK – Walking out with headphones to the slightly muted screams of the crowd. Drinking the same energy drink before each match. Bouncing the ball a specific number of times before serving.

For the up-and-comers, the dark horses and the greats at the US Open, it's about the ritual, tapping into a different mentality before serving up greatness under the lights.

But one match-day custom is shrouded from the crowds, on the third floor of Arthur Ashe stadium next door to a luxe workout facility: It's an appointment at the executive salon run by Julien Farel, the French hairstylist who has serviced the US Open for nearly 20 years. Sitting in one of the six chairs in the bright and cozy room has become a ritualistic reprieve – and a secret weapon for the US Open's biggest stars.

"The most exciting part of this tournament is the energy of the player," Farel tells USA TODAY. Though he's styled everyone from Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams to Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula (as well as celebrities like Kate Moss, Salma Hayek and Richard Gere in his New York City, Hamptons and Palm Beach salons), he's energized by the young talent.

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/