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Serena Williams dismantled F. Schiavone 6 – 0, 6 – 1 after the performances which are traditional on opening night in Arthur Ashe Stadium on day one of play at the US Open. Then, the rains came and that meant no Roger Federer on opening night. Gotta feeling those folks who had night session tickets were very bummed! Well, I was bummed too as I was eagerly awaiting “Federer time” but alas, it will occur this afternoon as he will fact 61st ranked Grega Zemlja in the third match on the Stadium court.
In action throughout the day yesterday (day one), Rafael Nadal continued his red hot play, remaining undefeated on hard courts this season as he took out American Ryan Harrison, 6 – 4, 6 – 2, 6 – 2. David Ferrer advanced but some notable upsets on the men’s side: 11th seed Ken Nishikori, 27th seed Verdasco and 30th seed Gulbris fell. On the women’s side American Sloane Stephens survived a tough three set match against Minella of Luxembourg, 4 – 6, 6 – 3, 7 – 6. Sloane was not at her best but came through and Minella dissolved in tears when the match ended as she had played some of her best tennis. Welcome back Venus Williams, who took out 12th seed Flipkens of Belgium in two easy sets. Also advancing A. Radwanska, Li Na, S. Lisicki, Laura Robson. Many others were winners and a few more matches were in progress last night on the outer courts when the rain came and will have to be continued today.
In addition to Federer, Novak Djokovic will make his 2013 US Open debut headlining the night session tonight. And finally, James Blake (American tennis player) who once was ranked as high as #4 in the world announced he would retire after this US Open, ending his fourteen year career marked by numerous injuries and remarkable comebacks. Kind of reminds one of Andy Roddick’s announcement last year?
So, today’s action starts shortly, Wozniacki will be up before Federer on the Stadium Court and I expect Rory Mcilroy to be there…contrary to rumors they are still together.
Until later…
