Paul Bass Photo
Mauro samples some tennis whites.
Headband? Check. Whites? Not necessary.
Vincent Mauro Jr. got that sartorial advice as he prepared for his first-ever visit to New Haven’s summer tennis classic.
Mauro received the advice Friday on the “Cannoli Knish Sports Hour,” the program he co-hosts on WNHH radio. The advice came from Anne Worcester, who runs the nine-day tournament, which now goes by the name the CT Open. The tournament opened Friday in Westville. It will be televised in more than 100 countries; organizers hope to draw more than 50,000 visitors.
Mauro (the “Cannoli” half of the host team) is more accustomed to attending baseball games and rock concerts. So he led Worcester (pictured) into the following exchange:
Cannoli: What am I supposed to wear? I mean, I’m coming on Thrusday. We’re coming with a mutual friend of ours, the outgoing of the chief of staff for the governor, Mark Ojakian. I’m sure Mark will be wearing some very expensive outfit, as he’s been know to do. I’m told you’re supposed to wear white. Joel [co-host Rudikoff, aka “Knish”] warned me against wearing the only white shirt I have.
And maybe [give me] a couple of pointers. There’s no heckling? Do we start the wave?
Worcester: I’ve been thinking about your fashion advice all week long. I think you’re coming at night, right?
Cannoli: Yes.
Worcester: For folks coming in during the day, we always advise dress lightly. People are casual during the day.
At night, some people, especially our outgoing chief of staff, like to dress up. You do not have to wear white. And you certainly don’t have to wear a suit and tie.
But you know, smart casual is I guess the best way to say it. Really and truly anything goes. Smart casual is what most people do.
Cannoli: Can I wear a headband?
Worcester:You can wear anything you want, Vinny Mauro.
Cannoli: I will not go the whites. But I may have to put the headband on.
Worcester:Like the famous John McEnroe.
Cannoli: I don’t have any hair. …
Click on the above sound file to hear the entire episode (in which Adam Joseph filled in for Rudikoff in the “Knish” spot).
