US Open Qualifiers -- 2013
What's summer without going to the US Open? Even if its the qualifiers. I managed to watch a bit of Taylor Townsend's and Go Soeda's matches, but for the most part, I spent the majority of my time walking around the grounds and in the Grandstand / Louis Armstrong Stadiums observing professional practice.
First off, let me just say that it was hot. I just so happened to pick the hottest day of the week to spend six hours in the sun. At least my sunburn wasn't too bad. Anyway, when we arrived on the grounds, we made an immediate right and found Ana Ivanovic practicing, as well as Jelena Jankovic practicing on the adjacent court (I don't really remember the difference between Grandstand and Louis Armstrong, so you'll have to spare me.) Immediately following Jankovic was Li Na. You can say it was a good morning. Later in the day, we encountered Maria Sharapova, Lleyton Hewitt, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Richard Gasquet, Mikhail Youzhny, and Tomas Berdych.
The ironic part of it all, was when I got home later that day, and found out that Maria was formally dropping out of the US Open this year due to a shoulder issue. She appeared to be fine, so it was quite surprising to hear that she would be stepping aside. She will be missed.
And as the day was coming to a close, I was fortunate enough to run into Stanislas Wawrinka practice with Roger Federer. This was my first experience seeing Roger up close, and how great his game really is.
So now I ask you, the tumblr tennis community, to share your best US Open story and experience. And if you end up going to the Open at all over the next two weeks, send me your story, or tag any posts with #tennisproblems. And if its worth mentioning, I'll post it! (With full credit of course.) For photos of the players I saw, click here.
