Kelly Killoren Bensimon causes a chic 'racquet' at the Open

 Hurricane Irene came and went, and so did my own hurricane of traveling — from Sag Harbor with two kids and three dogs, to Manhattan for a night, to Canyon Ranch in Lenox,Mass., andfinally back to NYC this week.

That’s when I got acall: Hairstylist Julien Farel was once again having a salon at the U.S. Open. I definitely wanted to see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer play tennisbut I also needed to meet the man who coifs their great-looking hair.

On the day I visited the Open, a car pulled up in front of my SoHo building to take me to Queens. Julien Farel himself — chicly dressed in a U.S. Open Polo shirt and equestrian-style pants — accompanied me on the ride. We chatted about the summer, his upcoming project (a secret wedding!) and, ofcourse, hair.

Farel, who has two salons in Manhattan,even gave me some tips for my dry hair,which oftengets blown out six times a week.

Another cool revelation: Farel said that even athletes are grooming- and beauty obsessed. I saw that for myself at the Open — everyone looked so good, on and off the court. Where was all the sweat, grime and grunting? I was impressed by all the neat short nails, cool haircuts and U.S. Open paraphernalia.

When I sat next to a player while getting mynails done at Farel’s salon, she had just finished working out in the gym, and she looked as though she had stepped right out of a Nike ad.

I, meanwhile, wore gold Prada shorts, J.Crew sandals,an easy top, a woven bag — which supports Wayuu Tayu charity — and Ray Ban sunglasses.

A few tips for hot Openattire: Sport a Lacoste or Polo shirt and a fun mini or hot shorts. Wear flats— it’s a sports match. Stay far away from fall colors and black — it’s too hot and you’ll fry like piece of bacon. Sport a cute Open baseball hat — guys like girls in baseball caps.

Keep your shoulders exposed but slather on the sunscreen. Channel “hot athlete” — not “fall fashion victim.”

Follow Kelly on Twitter @KellyBensimon or visit kellykilloren bensimon.com.