Once again, the greatest tennis show on earth, the US Open, lived up to its billing. Being a New Yorker, I admit to being partial. That being said, the US Open is the most important Grand Slam event. Flushing Meadows has the best crowds, an incredible atmosphere and the fairest surface for determining the best player in the world. Every player gears up for the US Open.

Tennis aside, the fluff and glitter that accompanied the Open needs its moment on the stage:

Two thumbs up to the new Court of Champions, and the ceremony preceding the finals honoring, among others, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors. It has been too long since Jimmy showed his face at the US Open, which was basically his house during his career. Now that Pete Sampras has retired, let’s hope Pete does not do the same disappearing act. A brief respite is one thing, but an extended hiatus is another. The game still needs Pete, and Pete needs the game. Well put by Johnny Mac and Jim Courier.

Speaking of Pistol Pete, how about that opening night ceremony? Wow! So moving, so appropriate, and so special. To hear Boris, Jim, John, Paul and Andre (his screen cameo was great) publicly honor Pete, and to see Pete’s response, was tremendous. Raw emotion. I will not get involved in the debate over who is the greatest of all time, and who liked Pete, etc…. I’ll just say to Arlen Kantaraian, the USTA, and most importantly to Pete: well done and thank you.

While I am on the subject of entertainment, The USTA (Arlen) has done a great job of adding entertainment value and attractions to the US Open. Starting with Arthur Ashe Kids Day, the opening night acts, the continuing evolution of the grounds (better seating, tasteful music, vendor booths, giveaways etc.), all the way to the presentation of the finals, they are showcasing their event and making this not just a tournament, but a happening, a place to be. Kudos to presenting a women’s Saturday night final. How about a Monday night men’s final? Prime time, baby. Monday night football move over. You can start the following week. Or how about scheduling the men’s final at 6 p.m. on the first night of Monday football? Worth a try, I say.

On to the tennis. There was simply too much good tennis to cover, so I will focus on just a few. The Capriati-Henin match goes down in history as one of the greatest matches ever - some of the highest quality women’s tennis I have witnessed. The shotmaking was incredible, the physical exertion excrutiating, the nerves steely. And one more thing: the hearts of champions were displayed. If anyone wondered what these two players were made of, doubt no more.

Justine Henin Hardin period. All heart, all grit, and strokes to die for. Oh would I love to have that backhand. Several of our members agree, and have come into the club after the Open with their versions of Justine’s backhand…. not quite the same, but they made valiant efforts nonetheless. Members, please keep up the good work. Within inner tennis circles, there was much talk and debate about how the women’s field - and the tournament - might have been weakened by the absence of the Williams sisters. The US Open proved otherwise, once again showing that the game is bigger than its players. Justine Henin, a true champion. A backhand for the ages.

Jonas Bjorkman & Todd Woodbridge in 1st round action en route to another Grand Slam title
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On the men’s side, allow me to say this was the Andy Roddick show! So much talk, so much pressure, so many questions about whether Andy was really the next great American. But at the end of the day, he showed the world he is the real deal: an incredible tennis player who can handle the pressure and answer the bell. Perhaps he’s the best player in the world at this moment. I think a changing of the guard has taken place. Gracefully, almost quietly, and with great respect, Andy has surpassed Andre. It had to happen sooner or later. Needless to say, I am a big Andy Roddick fan, especially since he began to wear his hat forewards. He is no longer a star in the making. He is a star, bright and fresh. Stay around for awhile Andy. All in all, another great Open. This tournament never fails to deliver.