Two days at the Open

We are two days into the U.S. Open and even though the men's first round isn't quite complete, of course there have still been many stories to tell.  How about 17-year-old Victoria Duvall's surprising upset over former champion Sam Stosur.  Who would have ever predicted that one?  Or Nishikori, Almagro, Janowicz, Dimitrov, Monaco, Gulbis all out in the first round?  Would you have found anyone willing to bet even a dollar not only on Donald Young beating Klizan, but 6-1 6-0 6-1?  Where in the world did that come from?

There is always a lot of fun drama at slams, and some not so fun.  Thankfully there was no drama in Roger Federer's almost completely routine win against Zemlja.  Other than one shaky game Roger looked focused and determined.  It wasn't like he had a lot of competition, but with the summer that Roger has had it was so important to have a strong win in his first round.  Though I probably say this before every slam, I just feel this could be a really good couple weeks for him to go far.  I'm not saying he's going to win it (though I'm certainly not ruling it out) but I think he is feeling back to himself again after his injury and ready to prove to himself and the rest of the world that he is still "in it to win it."

I recorded and watched the interview Andy Roddick did with Federer before the ATP 40 year anniversary honoring the #1 players.  I wish it was on You Tube to post for those who don't have the ability to see it.  Andy did a great job, of course making it funny as Andy would, talking about Roger taking #1 away from him, etc.  But I loved that he brought up the 2009 Wimbledon final, telling about himself breaking down afterward in the locker room because of the tremendous disappointment, and how when Roger and his team came in there was no loud celebration for the win but instead subdued in deference to the sadness that Andy would be feeling.  Andy was touched by that and four years later is still feeling the appreciation.  He also talked afterward about how he feels Federer is definitely the greatest of all time at this point and defended his negative head-to-head against Nadal.  Though very different in personality, these two are both very classy guys and it was great to see them interacting again.

Two weeks from now, barring torrential rains in NYC, the Open will be behind us.  In the meantime many more stories yet to be written, with the biggest of all being who will be holding the trophies at the end.