It's the US Open again and time for all things tennis (and Roger Federer!). This week I was at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, Queens when the five-time US Open champion delivered fourteen aces (including the one above) and defeated Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets. Roger (we're on a first name basis) continued his success in US Open night matches, notching another record: the most wins without a loss in the first round of the US Open by any man in the Open Era (since 1968), according to ESPN. In total, Roger has eighty-three career wins at the US Open, putting him 2nd behind Jimmy Connors (who had ninety-eight). Just some fun facts as you go into the long weekend. Go Roger! And Happy Labor Day!
Roger’s Retractable Roof Debut!
This week Roger Federer did not let the rainy weather stop him from winning his opening round of the US Open against the very talented nineteen-year-old American Frances Tiafoe, making this Roger’s 79th career victory at the US Open. (Okay, so it helped that both the players and the fans were kept dry by Asher Ashe Stadium’s retractable roof.) This was Federer’s debut under the roof, as he missed last year’s tournament in order to let his knee and back heal. Overcoming a slow start and rusty form, Federer persevered to win the intense match. Afterwards, he told ESPN that he felt that it had all come together for him during the second set. That didn’t stop the crowd from worrying! Okay mostly me!
Bel18ve!
Roger Federer at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After beating Frenchman Richard Gasquet, seventeen-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer, is set to face fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka today in an all-Swiss semi-final at the US Open. While I've enjoyed Stan's recent performances and wish him all the best, I am and always will be a Federer fan. Beautiful backhand!
Unisphere
The incredible view from Arthur Ashe Stadium of the 1964 World Fair's Unisphere and Observation Towers of the New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Federer Under the Lights
Roger Federer playing Marinko Matosevic of Australia at Arthur Ashe Stadium during first round of US Open.