US Open Gets Underway

Joy for tennis fans around New York City as the US Open officially started today out in Flushing despite some unfriendly tennis weather. Fun outings (with outrageously priced food and drink) for the whole family! With first-round matches underway, one seeded player has already fallen. 19th seed Dominik Hrbaty lost to Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets in opening round play. Some other big names advanced without much resistance. In men's singles, Andy Roddick easily advanced in straight sets. Justine Henin-Hardenne also advanced easily in women's singles. Currently underway is what looks like a great match between Paradorn Srichaphan and Jose Acasuso. It looks mighty exciting from the live updates on our computer screen.

- Tonight the Open features Andre Aggasi playing in his final US Open before retiring from tennis. The two-time US Open champion, who is unseeded, will be facing Andrei Pavel at 7 p.m. in a match that will be aired on the USA Network.

- The Aggasi-Pavel match will follow a ceremony officially renaming the USTA National Tennis Center. The tennis star-studded tribute will include a musical performance by Diana Ross as the tennis center becomes the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

- In the future useless trivia department, Mardy Fish made the first challenge in Grand Slam history at 2:15 p.m. in his match against Simon Greul. If you're curious, Fish lost the challenge and went on to lose the set, but emerged victorious in four sets over Greul.

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By tien mao on August 28, 2006 5:03 PM

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Dorothy

Due to the construction on Shea Stadium, the US Open organizers are urging the use of public transportation. Here's a link for quick directions to the U.S. Open from anywhere: http://www.publicroutes.com/usopen.htm

They provide public transportation directions from anywhere in the Tri-State area to the Open. The site also has traffic and weather updates and listings for local restaurants/bars. Hope this helps, enjoy the Open!