Ludovic du Plessis talks bubbles, the Williams Sister and the U.S. Open
![Serena Williams and Ludovic du Plessis](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AM2IwYzcxMmItZjI5YS00%3AMmItZjI5YS00YzY5NzFm%2Famny-serena-williams-and-ludovic-du-plessis.jpg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D770%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80)
Serena Williams and Ludovic du Plessis Credit: Serena Williams and Ludovic du Plessis
Moët & Chandon is the official Champagne of the 2013 US Open, and they have the golden goblets to prove it. Vice President of Moët & Chandon USA, Ludovic du Plessis, is an avid tennis player himself who chose the US Open as a partner for Moët for the past three years. Why? What better way to celebrate New York and athleticism than with amazing athletes and a goblet from Moët? Roger Federer is the new brand ambassador for the 270th anniversary, and Moët is hosting the Moët & Chandon Terrace, located just outside Arthur Ashe stadium. Du Plessis, who is known for his business acumen and strong sense of luxury and style, talks tennis, champagne and more with us. You’ll never guess what he carries in his bag, besides his racket, of course.
I read you carry a Louis Vuitton carryall. What’s in it?
I’m a big fan of tennis, so I carry my Wimbledon towel given to me by Serena Williams, cigars, little bottles of Champagne, Guerlain Vetiver cologne and my racket.
So you’re a fan of fashion and accessories?
I interned at Louis Vuitton for my first job. I love Persol sunglasses and Berluti shoes, and the new Roger Federer sneakers by Nike.
Why Moët & Chandon?
I was working for a cigar company and I decided to do an exclusive tasting with Dom Pérignon. I was so intrigued by the company, I went on the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy website and got a job two weeks later.
Where do you play tennis?
In Paris, I played at le Stade Francais in the 16th arrondissment. In New York, I play on Roosevelt Island.
How is Moët involved in the US Open?
We are the official champagne for the last three years. Clearly, it’s a perfect match of success and glamour. We celebrate this incredible sporting tournament. We expect to serve over 15,000 glasses of champagne throughout the two-week tournament from over 3,000 bottles of Moët & Chandon Imperial with celebrities like Jordan Sparks, Chace Crawford, Alec Baldwin and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Why do you drink champagne from a golden goblet?
I never promote champagne with a flute. You should drink champagne with a wine glass and enjoy the aroma. The top of a flute is too narrow. The golden wine glass looks like the neck of our bottle. We have rose gold glasses, too.
Who’s your pick, Serena or Venus (Williams)?
I love Venus, but I’m closer to Serena. I am for both of them for they are playing doubles.
What do you love the most about New York City?
Nightlife is incredible. The Boom Boom Room, Apotheke is like a pharmacy and The General for nightlife. And of course the art: the MoMA, Guggenheim. ... I love Central Park, the reservoir and The High Line.
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'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.
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'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.