During my most recent trip to Melbourne, a city I absolutely love, I was lucky enough to hire an experienced tour guide (the little guy is pictured above) to show me around. He took me on a whirlwind tour. Although I have been to Melbourne a number of times, there is always something new to learn: 1) Melbourne was originally going to be called "Batmania" after one of the city's founders, John Batman; 2) five of the six tallest buildings in Australia are in Melbourne’s Central Business District; and 3) thirty-eight per cent of the population in Melbourne were born outside of Australia (go immigrants!). My tour guide really knows his stuff!
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!
Federer and Fireworks!
While my fellow Americans were setting off fireworks and celebrating the Fourth of July with friends and loved ones (Happy Birthday, America!), I was cheering on Roger at Wimbledon. The seven-time Wimbledon champion won his first-round match against Alexandr Dolgopolov, with Dolgopolov retiring during the second set due to an ankle injury. Although this match wasn’t as exciting as I would have hoped, the win marks Roger’s record-breaking 85th single men’s victory at Wimbledon! He also became the third player ever to hit 10,000 aces. I briefly thought about setting off some fireworks at Centre Court to celebrate but wisely decided against it!
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.