USOpen.org News Bulletin ... Monday, September 9, 2002
Unbelievable! Sampras Beats AgassiSuarez and Ruano
Pascual Keep it "Caliente"Gasquet Clinches Boys' TitleUSOpen.org's Play of the DayUSOpen.org Post-Match Analysis
presented by Prudential FinancialKirilenko Walks Away A Champion2002 USOpen.org e-highlights presented by Lincoln
Unbelievable! Sampras Beats Agassi
Pete Sampras has done what no one thought was possible two weeks ago.
After becoming the youngest US Open champion ever in 1990, Pete Sampras is now
the oldest to win the Open since 1970, and the oldest to win a major tourney
since 1975. Sampras used an incredible 83 winners, including 33 aces, to power
his way to a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 victory over a game, but overwhelmed, Andre
Agassi.
Suarez and Ruano Pascual Keep it "Caliente"
No. 2 seeds Paola Suarez and Virginia Ruano Pascual kept
things hot as they burned past Elena Dementieva and Janette Husarova
in the US Open women's doubles final on Sunday, taking the match, 6-2, 6-1.
Gasquet Clinches Boys' Title
Sixteen-year-old Richard Gasquet of France, the top seed in the boys'
singles event, captured the junior boys' US Open singles title, defeating No. 5
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, 7-5, 6-2, in the final. The victory gave the
young Frenchman his second junior Grand Slam title of the year.
USOpen.org's Play of the Day
The play that made the point wasn't anything spectacular, but what it stood
for was simply unbelievable. Pete Sampras, written off by so many people
over the last few months, had just become the 2002 US Open Champion -- for the
fifth time.
Pete Sampras beat Andre Agassi here in 1990 for his first ever
Grand Slam, and he has done it again in 2002.
Kirilenko Walks Away A Champion
Maria Kirilenko upset No. 1 seed Barbora Strycova in straight
sets, 6-4, 6-4, to win the US Open girls' singles championship. Clearly
dominating the 16-year- old from the Czech Republic, Kirilenko plugged away at
Strycova's groundstrokes, causing her frustration to alter her game.
What a tournament! When we look back, the 2002 US Open will certainly go
down as one of the most memorable of all-time. In the end though, four familiar
faces were waiting for us on finals weekend. Serena. Pete.
Venus. Agassi. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... Sunday, September 8, 2002
Sampras Defeats Schalken To Reach FinalAgassi Tops
Hewitt, Returns To FinalAgassi vs. Sampras: Clash of the TitansSerena Dethrones Venus as Open QueenUSOpen.org's Play of
the DayBoom Boom Blasts MacUSOpen.org's Player of
the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Sampras Defeats Schalken To Reach Final
It was an un-Pete Sampras performance -- except for the tennis. He
grunted. He pumped his fist. He shouted, "Come on!" and egged on the already
partisan crowd.
Agassi Tops Hewitt, Returns To Final
After burying yet another forehand into the net, Lleyton Hewitt
slammed his hand against his racquet in disgust. His aim, as it had been all
afternoon, was misguided. Andre Agassi, doing everything Hewitt did, only
bigger and better, knocked off the world's No. 1 player, 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (1),
6-2, Saturday to book a spot in the US Open men's singles final against old foe
Pete Sampras.
Agassi vs. Sampras: Clash of the Titans
Before the first ball was tossed at the US Open 13 days ago, the thought of
having a slumping 31-year-old Pete Sampras and the seemingly distracted
32- year-old Andre Agassi meet in their third US Open final on Sunday
would have been considered absurd. But with their convincing semifinal victories
on Saturday, the two friendly rivals have another opportunity to disprove the
critics who said that it was high time they thought about hanging up their sweat
towels.
Serena Dethrones Venus as Open Queen
What a difference a year makes. Serena Williams, who last lost to her
older sister Venus Williams on this same court one year ago, cruised to
her third straight Grand Slam title of 2002 with a 6-4, 6-3 victory Saturday
night in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
USOpen.org's Play of the Day
There comes a crucial time of a match when one man steps up and the other is
left to freeze-frame the point over and over again on the plane ride back home.
Without question, Andre Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt reached that
boiling point in the second set tiebreak of their semifinal showdown on Super
Saturday at the US Open.
Boom Boom Blasts Mac
Saturday started with a three-set battle between Sampras and
Schalken. It continued with a four-setter between Hewitt and
Agassi. But neither of these matches could compare with what took place
Saturday evening. No, not Serena and Venus' match. We're talking
about the match of the century, the battle of all ages. McEnroe vs.
Becker.
USOpen.org's Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Serena Williams' victory tonight at the USTA National Tennis Center
now makes her a three-time 2002 Grand Slam Champion and a two-time USOpen.org
Player of the Day. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin .... Saturday, September 7, 2002
It's a Family AffairVenus Outlasts MauresmoSerena Follows Script to Gain Final BerthDouble TroubleRaymond and Mike Bryan Claim MixedNostalgia and Fun Lures
Fans to SeniorsMirnyi and Bhupathi Win Men's Doubles
ChampionshipsAnd Then There Were NoneTwo American
Beauties Remain
It's a Family Affair
Serena Williams hit 34 winners, including 13 aces, and defeated
Lindsay Davenport 6-3, 7-5 today. Tomorrow night she'll face older sister
Venus for the second straight year. Earlier, the two-time defending champion
advanced by beating Amelie Mauresmo, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 after suffering a hand
blister midway through the second set. Together, the sisters have won the last
three consecutive Opens dating back to 1999.
Venus Outlasts Mauresmo
In the most competitive US Open women's semifinal in two years, defending
champion Venus Williams overcame a bad blister on her right hand, and a
superb performance by France's Amelie Mauresmo, to move into her third
straight US Open final on Friday.
Serena Follows Script to Gain Final Berth
Play it again, Sam. And again, and again, and again. Sister Act IV is
becoming an annual production on the hard courts of the USTA National Tennis
Center as Venus and Serena Williams battle for the second
consecutive year in Arthur Ashe Stadium for the US Open women's singles title.
Double Trouble
With brilliant passing shots, well-placed lobs and quick net play, the
sixth- seeded doubles duo of Elena Dementieva and Janette Husarova
defeated third- seeded Cara Black and Elena Likhovtseva in
straight sets, 7-5, 6-1.
Raymond and Mike Bryan Claim Mixed
If the mixed doubles final was any indication of how Friday's matches were
going to turn out, then tennis fans were definitely going to get their money's
worth. The first match to take place on Arthur Ashe Stadium featured No. 2 seeds
Lisa Raymond and Mike Bryan vs. Katarina Srebotnik and
Bob Bryan (Mike's twin brother).
Nostalgia and Fun Lures Fans to Seniors
Serena and Sampras may grab the headlines, but they're not
necessarily the only fan favorites at the US Open on the final week of play. On
the side courts of the USTA National Tennis Center, legends of the game attract
loyal followers who remember them from their glory days.
Mirnyi and Bhupathi Win Doubles Championships
Max Mirnyi and Mahesh Bhupathi continued their run in the US
Open Men's Doubles tournament on Friday by winning the finals against Jiri
Jovak and Radek Stepanek. Mirnyi, otherwise known as "The Beast" and
the equally intimidating Bhupathi took the Czech duo in three sets, 6-3, 3-6,
6-4.
And Then There Were None
Saturday's junior semifinals will bring to the court some great head-to-head
competition, but no Americans will be among the final four. The remaining two
U.S. junior players ended their runs Friday in disappointing losses. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... Friday, September 6, 2002
Elite Eight Set to Clash in SemisBack to the FutureSteady Schalken in SemifinalsWomen's Final Four-CastUS Open Debuts in Rockefeller CenterUSOpen.org Player of
the Day presented by Diet PepsiTwo American Beauties Remain
Elite Eight Set to Clash in Semis
With Venus, Serena, Lindsay, and Amelie set to
square off in the women's semis, it was up to the men to give us the final
pairings for what is shaping up to be a wild weekend of tennis. The legend grew
on Thursday night as Pete Sampras defeated Andy Roddick in
straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Pistol Pete looked like a 13-time Grand Slam
Champion, as his crisp play and dominating serve never allowed the fiery
youngster an opportunity to get back in the match after the first set. Sampras
now goes on to face Sjeng Schalken who defeated Fernando Gonzalez
earlier in the day.
Back to the Future
It was time to stop the talk. End the hype. Quit showing promotional videos.
After almost 48 hours of anticipation, Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick
stepped inside Arthur Ashe Stadium to have it out for the last remaining
semifinal spot.
Steady Schalken in Semifinals
Sjeng Schalken was fit to be tied -- until the fifth set, that is.
Schalken outlasted Fernando Gonzalez, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6
(2), Thursday and became the first player from the Netherlands to reach the US
Open semifinals since Tom Okker in 1971. "Three tiebreaks," Schalken
said. "You have to win one, of course."
Mirnyi and Bhupathi Move to Semis
Belarus' Max Mirnyi may have played a grueling four-set match
Wednesday night against Andre Agassi, but he showed little sign of
exhaustion the next day in the quarterfinals of the men's doubles tournament.
Playing with Indian Mahesh Bhupathi, the duo defeated defending US Open
men's doubles champions, Zimbabwe's Wayne Black and Kevin Ullyett,
7-6 (4), 5-7, 7-6 (4).
Women's Final Four-Cast
Tennis expert Matt Cronin reviews Friday's women's semifinal matches between
Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport and Venus Williams
and Amelie Mauresmo.
US Open Debuts in Rockefeller Center
For the first time the USTA will bring free coverage of the US Open to the
streets of New York through live feeds of USA Network's and CBS Sports'
broadcasts of the US Open on a giant video screen in New York City's Rockefeller
Center through the US Open finals this weekend.
USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Ask Andy Roddick how many steps Pete Sampras has lost. Ask
Andy Roddick if Pete Sampras still has what it takes to win a Grand Slam title.
Thrilling the energetic, New York City crowd, Pistol Pete came out firing on
Thursday night and took it to Roddick in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Two American Beauties Remain
In mass numbers American junior girls marched onto the tennis grounds of the
2002 US Open, garnering 21 of the 64 entries. Although the US Open marks the
junior American girls' best showing in a Grand Slam tournament all year, only
two will continue into the quarterfinals. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... Thursday, September 5, 2002
Stars Struggle to Reach SemisAmelie Puts Cap on
Jenny's US OpenHingis/Kournikova Fall to Second SeedsBryan Twins Topple Top SeedsUSOpen.org Player of the Day
presented by Diet PepsiJunior Tennis Rages on Day Two
Stars Struggle to Reach Semis
Lleyton Hewitt advanced to the semifinals, defeating Younes El
Aynaoui in four sets. He now faces the winner of tonight's Andre Agassi-Max
Mirnyi match. Earlier, Amelie Mauresmo joined Lindsay Davenport
and Serena Williams in the semis with a stunning victory over Jennifer
Capriati. Amelie will go on to face Venus Williams, who defeated Monica
Seles in straight sets.
Hewitt Hurdles Over 6'4" El Aynaoui
No. 20 seed Younes El Aynaoui proved to be a challenge for the No. 1
Aussie powerhouse, Lleyton Hewitt. In a four set, two-hour, 40-minute
quarterfinal match, Hewitt prevailed, winning, 6-1, 7-6, 4-6, 6-2. This was the
rockin' Moroccan's best US Open performance of his career.
Navratilova's Doubles Campaign Ends with Loss
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova's bid to add yet another Grand Slam
title to the 56 she already owns ended Wednesday against the sixth-seeded team
of Elena Dementieva and Janette Husarova in the third round of
women's doubles.
Amelie Puts Cap on Jenny's US Open
The last time Jennifer Capriati and Amelie Mauresmo played at
the US Open was after a seven-hour rain delay on Monday night. Both players
fought off muscle stiffness in a chilly atmosphere in order to advance to the
quarterfinals. Wednesday's quarterfinal match saw the players match up in a
drastically different atmosphere. Temperatures soared above 85 degrees on a
sun-baked Arthur Ashe Stadium, as the No. 10 and No. 3 traded strokes for close
to two and a half hours.
Hingis/Kournikova Fall to Second Seeds
With well-coordinated teamwork and superb poaching, No. 2 seeded doubles
team Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez continued their march
toward the finals, defeating 5th seeded Martina Hingis and Anna
Kournikova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
Bryan Twins Topple Top Seeds
Americans Bob and Mike Bryan scored one of the biggest wins of their
doubles career with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) win over top seeds Mark Knowles and
Daniel Nestor Wednesday to move into the semifinals.
USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Too bad nobody checked with Amelie Mauresmo before sending out the
invitations for an all-American semifinal party at the 2002 US Open. Just as she
had two times earlier this summer, Mauresmo took it to Jennifer Capriati
in their quarterfinal match Wednesday afternoon.
Junior Tennis Rages on Day Two
Americans Brian Baker, Robert Kim and Ally Baker
continued their quest for US Open junior titles, as many seeded players worked
their way through the draw. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... Wednesday, September 4, 2002
US Women Control Arthur Ashe StadiumDynamic Duo
Charges AheadSchalken Goes Gaga Defeating Guga
Queen of Soul to Sing at Women's FinalUSOpen.org Player of the
Day presented by Diet Pepsi
US Women Control Arthur Ashe Stadium
In the most dramatic women's match of the tournament so far, two-time
defending champion Venus Williams fought off her own nerves and a
spirited Chanda Rubin to win, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, to gain the quarterfinals on
Tuesday. Americans Lindsay Davenport and Monica Seles also stormed
ahead, with Seles taking down 1997 champ Martina Hingis, 6-4, 6-2, in the
fourth round and Davenport overcoming rangy Russian Elena Bovina, 3-6,
6-0, 6-2, in the quarters. With Davenport and Serena already having gained
semifinal berths and Venus and Seles slated to meet up in the quarterfinals,
it's up to Jennifer Capriati, who faces Amelie Mauresmo to make it
an all-American final four.
Serena Makes Sure it's Hantuch-over
What else did you expect? Another would-be contender sent packing in under
an hour. Serena Williams defeated 11th seeded Daniela Hantuchova
in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
For Venus, it's Goodbye Ruby Tuesday
Under a bright blue sky with only a single cloud in sight, No. 2 seed
Venus Williams narrowly defeated 14th seed Chanda Rubin in the round
of 16. Although Rubin put up a spirited fight, she could not go the distance,
falling to the No. 2 world champion in 3 sets, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.
Dynamic Duo Charges Ahead
Four top players met today in the third round of the women's doubles
tournament of the US Open. The dynamic duo comprised of Martina Hingis
and Anna Kournikova were matched against American favorite Chanda
Rubin and four-time US Open doubles champ Natasha Zvereva. Naturally,
nearly every seat in Louis Armstrong Stadium was packed. Whether fans came to
watch notable tennis or to catch a glimpse of Kournikova has yet to be
determined.
Schalken Goes Gaga Defeating Guga
The Brazilian fans were out in full force to support their icon Gustavo
Kuerten today. In between games they chanted for Guga and relished in his
winners as well as his mistakes. However, the fans were not enough to carry
Kuerten into the quarterfinals, where game after game he made a valiant effort
to win a set against No. 24 Sjeng Schalken before falling 6-3, 7-6 (6),
6-7 (5), 7-6 (4).
Queen of Soul to Sing at Women's Final
Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," will sing "America" ("My Country 'Tis
of Thee") prior to the prime time 2002 US Open Women's singles final, Saturday,
September 7th. Franklin will be accompanied by 40 members of New York's Boys'
Choir of Harlem.
USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
When most people look at Monica Seles, they are overtaken with two
emotions: sympathy and respect. Respect for her legacy that includes nine Grand
Slam titles. Sympathy for an athlete senselessly cut down in her prime.
Whichever of the two is the motivating factor, there is no doubt that the fans
roaming the grounds of the USTA National Tennis Center are hoping to see Seles
win one more Grand Slam title here in Flushing Meadows. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... Tuesday, September 3, 2002 ..
Stars & Stripes on Arthur Ashe StadiumNavratilova
Still has Game at 45Hantuchova Hangs InHaas Edges
Out EnqvistUSOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Stars & Stripes on Arthur Ashe Stadium It was a big night for the
Red, White, and Blue on Monday. Five out of the six players on Arthur Ashe
Stadium, including Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati, Amy
Frazier, Andre Agassi, and Jan-Michael Gambill, were homegrown
talents, and they did their nation proud on Labor Day. Advancing into the
women's Quarterfinals in straight sets were Davenport and Capriati, while Agassi
was equally flawless, blazing into the fourth round for the 12th time in his
career. Meanwhile, over on Louis Armstrong Stadium, four-time US Open champ
Pete Sampras was forced to go deep in his five-set win over England's
Greg Rusedski. Pete's 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4 victory brought the
crowd to life and reaffirmed hopes that Sampras might be ready for another run
to a Grand Slam title.
Davenport Takes Farina Elia By Storm
After waiting through nearly two days of incessant rain, wind and chilly
temperatures, Lindsay Davenport took the court at Arthur Ashe stadium
where she defeated No. 13 seed Silvia Farina Elia, 6-3, 6-1.
J Cap Has Too Much Game for Frazier
A calm and cool Jennifer Capriati coasted easily through her straight
set win, losing just four games to the 12-year WTA Tour veteran Amy Frazier.
Capriati will face France's Amelie Mauresmo in the quarters.
Navratilova Still has Game at 45
What do you do for an encore when you're 45, own 56 Grand Slam titles and
still punch volleys with the accuracy of a Lennox Lewis jab? If you're tennis
legend-in-residence Martina Navratilova, you lace up your shoes for the
umteempth time and show the young girls how it's done. The last two days at the
US Open, Navratilova has done just that.
Hantuchova Hangs In
In the end, Daniela Hantuchova just wanted it more. Still recovering
from a thumb and ankle sprain sustained as play was delayed, and then suspended
due to rain yesterday, Hantuchova came back to the courts tonight to eke out a
victory against Belgium's Justine Henin, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4).
Time stood still on Monday evening at Louis Armstrong Stadium as
four-time US Open champion Pete Sampras defeated fire-balling lefty
Greg Rusedski in five exhilarating sets, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4.
TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin .. Monday, September 2, 2002
Here Comes the Rain AgainAndy Roddick: American IdolJunior Tournament Showcases TalentTip of the Day: The Swing
VolleyRubin Continues Hot SummerUSOpen.org Player
of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Here Comes the Rain AgainHurricane Serena Blows Past
Bedanova
Not even a dreary, wet September day could slow down Serena Williams,
as the 1999 US Open champion stormed past Daja Bedanova in straight sets.
Following a more-than-six hour rain delay, Williams and Bedanova finally took to
the court inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and it didn't appear that the long delay
affected Serena in the least. Williams came out on fire, taking only 18 minutes
to finish off Bedanova 6-1 in the one-sided first set.
Weather Can't Dampen Spirits: Fans Wait Out the Rain
Tennis fans are a loyal bunch. The grounds at the USTA National Tennis
Center were blanketed by an ashen cloud covering, and the rain was steadily
sprinkling down, like that late night mosquito you just can't shoo away. Yet
despite conditions that we typically associate more with Wimbledon than a Labor
Day picnic, the tennis fans held their ground, confident that they would get to
see the stars come out.
Andy Roddick: American Idol
The American tennis-loving public is officially in love with Andy Roddick.
If you don't believe me, ask one of the thousands of fans who packed a snug
Louis Armstrong Stadium late Saturday afternoon to watch his match with
Raemon Sluiter. Or, ask one of the hundreds who were waiting in line, hoping
others would leave for some reason so they could get inside to watch even a
little bit of the match.
Junior Tournament Showcases Talent
Rising stars of junior tennis have become sleeper hits in the men's and
women's draws at this year's US Open. They have performed well and surprised
tennis fans with their mastery of skills, their poise and maturity. They will
take that advantage with them this week as they get back to the real world of
amateur tennis and compete against their peers.
Not even hours of uncooperative weather could stop Hurricane Serena
from blowing through her most recent opponent. After more than a six-hour rain
delay, the 1999 US Open Champion came out storming. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... Sunday, September 1, 2002 ..
Oh Yes, it's Ladies' NightLleyton KOs Blake in
Five-Set ThrillerUSOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet
PepsiSeles Sticks AroundRubin Continues Hot SummerAgassi Romps to Gain Sweet 16
Oh Yes, it's Ladies' Night On a blustery Saturday that had all the
foreboding mixings of an upset special, the highly seeded group of Venus
Williams, Monica Seles, Kim Clijsters, Amelie Mauresmo,
and Chanda Rubin all stormed ahead, creating a number of intriguing
fourth-round match-ups.
Two-time defending champion Venus crunched Martina Muller, 6-1, 6-2, in
41 minutes, but Williams' compatriot, Monica Seles, had to pull out all the
stops to defeat qualifier Yoon-Jeong Cho, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3.
No. 2 Williams will face No. 14 Chanda Rubin, who took out No. 21 Lisa
Raymond, 7-6 (2), 6-4.
No. 7 Kim Clijsters was pushed to the wall but leapt over 17-year-old Russian
phenom Vera Zvonareva in a 1-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory. Clijsters will face
Montreal champ Amelie Mauresmo, who smothered Swiss Patty Schnyder, 6-1,
6-4.
After Hours Girl Power
For the first time since 1975 (when night sessions were added to the US
Open) the ladies headlined Center Court without their male counterparts.
Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati got the party started with
straight-set wins over Amanda Coetzer and Meghann Shaughnessy,
respectively. For the nightcap, Hingis made a curtain call, teaming with Anna
Kournikova to face the American tandem of Laura Granville and
Jennifer Hopkins.
Anticipation was running high on Saturday. In the second round of the 2001
Open, Australian Lleyton Hewitt was pushed to five sets by James Blake,
a virtual unknown. A lot has changed since then: Hewitt has won two Grand Slam
titles and Blake has cracked the Top 30, earned a spot on the US Davis Cup Team,
and won his first ATP Tour event this summer. USOpen.org examines the result in
the Post-Match Analysis.
USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Although their match did not start on Saturday, Greg Rusedski and
Paradorn Srichaphan finished up their memorable five-set affair one minute
after midnight. They are today's USOpen.org Diet Pepsi Players of the Day for
giving us a great finish to Friday and for setting the tone for the middle
Saturday at the US Open.
Seles Sticks Around
As a 15-year-old unranked wild card, Monica Seles won her first
professional title at Houston in 1989, defeating No. 4 Chris Evert in the
final. She went on to win nine Grand Slam titles, 53 career singles titles and
was ultimately ranked No. 1 in the world. Seles extended her 12th appearance at
the US Open Saturday, defeating Yoon-Jeong Cho of Korea, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3.
Rubin Continues Hot Summer
With gray skies and chilly winds foretelling of fall, Chanda Rubin
showed off her hot game on Louis Armstrong Stadium on Saturday, defeating fellow
American Lisa Raymond to grab a spot in the fourth round of the women's
singles draw.
Agassi Romps to Gain Sweet 16
Andre Agassi continued his blitzkrieg through the early rounds of the
US Open with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of Paraguay's Ramon Delgado, which
took just 89 minutes. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... Saturday, August 31, 2002 ....
Everybody's Workin' for the WeekendGuga Shows Safin
the DoorForecasting Saturday's ShootoutsUSOpen.org
Player of the Day presented by Diet PepsiNick's PicksUnlikely Trio Battle on Show Courts
Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend Three-time Roland Garros
champion Gustavo Kuerten quickly established himself as a threat to win
his first U.S. Open crown when he toppled No. 2 seed and 2000 U.S. Open champion
Marat Safin 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in the second round on Friday.
No. 4 Lindsay Davenport also moved ahead, as did No. 3 Tommy Haas,
No. 5 Tim Henman, No. 8 Justine Henin, No. 11 Andy Roddick,
No. 26 Juan Ignacio Chela and big-hitting Russian Elena Bovina.
But No. 10 Sebastien Grosjean of France was taken out of the tournament
by his Davis Cup teammate, Arnaud Clement, in a stirring five sets on the
Grandstand.
Blake-Hewitt Rematch Should Be a Dogfight
It was the most harrowing part of his remarkable run to the 2001 US Open
title, so when No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt was asked whether he was relishing
facing the crowd and James Blake again when he takes the court against
the young American in the third round on Saturday, the Adelaide street fighter
was characteristically nonplused.
Guga Shows Safin the Door
Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten unloaded on 2001 US Open champ Marat
Safin, bouncing him out of Queens in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. Despite
three Grand Slam titles under his belt, Guga came to Flushing unseeded after
spending much of the summer recovering from hip surgery. Check out USOpen.org's
Post-Match Analysis to see what were the keys to Guga's advancing to the
third round.
USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Bea Bielik arrived in New York as a 1,102nd-ranked wild card. The
reigning NCAA champ quickly proved that she might be the best college player
since Lisa Raymond by reaching the third round of the Open, including a
6-4, 6-2 victory over No. 27 seed Tamarine Tanasugarno. But she had a
tough task Friday: a third-round clash with No. 8 Justine Henin.
Unlikely Trio Battle on Show Courts
Not every player comes to the US Open with the panache of Andre Agassi
or the flair of Serena Williams. For many, the road to The Big Apple is
paved with Qualies, Satellites, and Challenger events all over the globe. For
three players, a week of living dangerously turned out to be a week to remember. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin .. August 30, 2002 ...
Weather Doesn't Rain on US ParadeCapriati Well Worth
the WaitUSOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet PepsiCall it Like You See itAmericans Triumph; Blake Meets
HewittUSOpen.org Previews Day ThreeShaughnessy
Wins Spot Against Capriati
Weather Doesn't Rain on US Parade On a wet and wild rain-delayed
Thursday at the 2002 US Open, a trio of top American women advanced to the third
round, two US Open men's champions moved on to see another day and a host of
top-seeds tromped through the soggy weather at the USTA National Tennis Center.
No. 3 Jennifer Capriati and No. 4 Lindsay Davenport sped through
their second round matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Davenport completed her
rain-delayed match from Wednesday evening, needing less than 15 minutes to send
Petra Mandula to the locker room, 6-4, 6-2. Playing on Louis Armstrong
Stadium, defending champion Lleyton Hewitt defeated Noam Okun of
Israel, after a close first set tie-breaker, 7-6, 6-4, 6-1. Hewitt's third round
match will be against American James Blake, who took four sets to defeat
Nikloay Davydenko at the nearby Grandstand. Hewitt and Blake played a
memorable five set affair in 2001. Two-time US Open champion Andre Agassi,
the No. 6 seed, needed just 66 minutes to defeat compatriot Justin Gimelstob,
6-0, 6-1, 6-1. In other action around the grounds of the National Tennis Center,
Monica Seles, Kim Clijsters, Jiri Novak, Martina Hingis,
and Amelie Mauresmo all advanced. However, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, the
No. 4 seed was not quite as lucky, falling to Dominic Hrbaty, 6-3, 6-1,
6-1. Capriati Well Worth the Wait
After an almost five-hour rain delay Thursday afternoon, No. 3 seed
Jennifer Capriati posted an easy second-round victory, defeating Tina
Pisnik of Slovenia, 6-4, 6-2, in just over an hour. She will face the No. 30
seed, Meghann Shaughnessy, who defeated Conchita Martinez 6-3,
6-2.
USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Lindsay Davenport has been sidelined most of the year recovering from
knee surgery. The 1998 US Open Champion aggravated it during her semifinal match
at the 2001 season-ending championships, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on
Jan. 11 and spent nine weeks on crutches. This week, she returned to the US
Open.
Americans Triumph; Blake Meets Hewitt
After rain pelted the courts for the first five hours of play on Thursday,
Americans Jennifer Capriati, Andre Agassi, Lindsay Davenport,
and James Blake all belted their opponents and gained the third round.
Shaughnessy Wins Spot Against Capriati
Meghann Shaughnessy took to an outside show court at the National
Tennis Center on Thursday and made short work of Conchita Martinez of
Spain 6-3, 6-2. It was a bittersweet win, however, since Shaughnessy will next
take on third-seeded Jennifer Capriati in an all-American third-round
match. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... August 29 ...
Wednesday's a WrapSampras Takes Care of BusinessUSOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet PepsiNick's
PicksDouble Your PleasureUSOpen.org Previews Day
ThreeThursday's Schedule
Wednesday's a Wrap Though Serena Williams and Pete
Sampras cruised to victory, Day Three was not without its upsets as Elena
Bovina beat No. 5 Jelena Dokic in straight sets.
Also losing was No. 12 Elena Dementieva, No. 16 David Nalbandian,
and No. 27 Tamarine Tanasugarn, who fell to New Yorker Bea Bielik.
Earlier winners include Sebastien Grosjean, Tommy Haas, Justine Henin,
Tim Henman, and Daniela Hantuchova.
Wednesday's night matches featuring Lindsay Davenport and James Blake
on Arthur Ashe Stadium were not completed due to rain. Davenport lead Hungary's
Petra Mandula 6-4, 2-2.
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Sampras Takes Care of Business
Four-time US Open champ Pete Sampras returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium
today to take on Spaniard Albert Portas. 2002 has been tough on Pistol
Pete, but he's made it clear that he's not throwing in the towel on the year
just yet. Thank goodness for that. His 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory reminded spectators
of the Sampras of old with Pete serving up 10 aces and routinely storming the
net with to take control of the match for good.
USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Russia's Elena Bovina was in the zone Wednesday as she dominated the
No. 5 seed, Jelena Dokic, rolling her right pout of Flushing in just 60
minutes, winning 6-3, 6-2. Double Your Pleasure
On day three of the 2002 US Open, doubles play officially got underway.
Judging from the star-studded field -- including an unusually high number of
up-and-coming American players -- this promises to be an extremely eventful
tournament.
Thursday's play will see defending champions Lleyton Hewitt and
Venus Williams return to Queens to defend their crowns. Also playing in
second round action will be Andre Agassi, Jennifer Capriati,
Monica Seles, Jan-Michael Gambill, and more.
Favorites Hold Court on Day TwoSafin and Kiefer Go
the DistanceUSOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet PepsiBrian Vahaly's US Open DiaryPlace Your Bids on US Open
AuctionsUSOpen.org Previews Day ThreeMorariu
Returns to US Open Action
Favorites Hold Court on Day Two The favorites continued to take
charge on Day Two at the 2002 US Open as 2001 champ Lleyton Hewitt
defeated Nicolas Coutelot 6-2, 6-3, 6-3. Defending women's champ Venus
Williams won her first round match, beating Mirjana Lucic 6-0, 6-0.
Other winners included Jennifer Capriati, Kim Clijsters,
Martina Hingis, Jan-Michael Gambill and Carlos Moya.
Rubin Rolls into Round Two
Coming off yet another surgery, Chanda Rubin on Tuesday easily moved
into the second round of the US Open, beating fellow American Jill Craybas,
6-1, 6-3.
Seles in Straights
Sixth-seeded Monica Seles made short work of Hungarian Zsofia Gubacsi
in Louis Armstrong Stadium Tuesday afternoon. Waiting for the two-time Open
champ in the second round is Austria's Barbara Schwartz.
Patriotic Parade
Color the court red, white and blue - and toss in a lot of stars. Court 7 at
the National Tennis Center had a patriotic hue Tuesday as a parade of Americans
played first-round matches on Day 2 of the 2002 U.S. Open.
Safin and Kiefer Go the Distance
It didn't take long for the drama to unfold on Arthur Ashe Stadium on
Tuesday. In the first match of the day, 2000 Open champ Marat Safin and
Germany's Nicolas Kiefer stood toe-to-toe for four hours and 28 minutes,
with Safin finally edging the severely cramping Kiefer in a fifth set tiebreak,
6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Before Tuesday's matches got underway at the USTA National Tennis Center,
most people viewed Nicolas Kiefer as a brief, but necessary stop on
Marat Safin's march towards a second US Open Championship. A few long hours
later, no one walking the grounds in Flushing Meadows is soon to forget Kiefer.
Brian Vahaly's US Open Diary
Brian Vahaly might have succumbed to James Blake in four
hard-fought sets on Monday, but he made the most of his first experience in
Arthur Ashe Stadium. Learn more about Vahaly's excellent adventure in his fourth
diary installment with USOpen.org.
Place Your Bids on US Open Auctions
US Open Auctions is every tennis fan's opportunity to win
unforgettable playing experiences and priceless tennis memorabilia that can't be
purchased anywhere else. Play tennis on Arthur Ashe Stadium! Travel to France to
meet and watch the U.S. Davis Cup team! Bid on official game-used US Open
memorabilia and own a piece of Grand Slam history! Fulfill your tennis
fantasies. Visit US Open Auctions and place your bids today!
USOpen.org Previews Day Three
Pete Sampras, Tommy Haas, Serena Williams, and James
Blake are just some of the names highlighting Wednesday's schedule.
Morariu Returns to US Open Action
How fitting that on a night titled "A Salute to Heroes" women's Wild
Card Corina Morariu returned to US Open play for the first time in two
years after battling leukemia since early 2001. Playing only her second singles
match in over a year, Morariu eventually fell to Serena Williams, the No.
1 player in the world, 6-3, 6-2. But for Morariu, simply being back on the court
is the greatest victory in the world. TOP OF PAGE
USOpen.org News Bulletin ... August 26, 2002
Seeds Advance on Day One of US Open Perfect playing conditions on
Monday saw the seeds taking advantage of their opponents and the first day of
action at the 2002 US Open provided very little in the way of upsets.
Making his Arthur Ashe Stadium debut was emerging American talent James
Blake who needed four sets and two tiebreaks to topple the hustling Georgian
Brian Vahaly. With the win, the 25th-seeded Blake moves into the second
round for the second straight year.
In the night session, fans were treated to an unforgettable opening
ceremony, featuring appearances by John Mcenroe, Billie Jean King,
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and performances by Judd Hirsch, Tony
Bennett, and Queen Latifah. Following were displays of precision
tennis from two of the world's best, in Serena Williams and Andre
Agassi. Both former champions advanced in straight sets over Corina
Morariu and Robby Ginepri, respectively.
Less fireworks and fanfare will likely surround the first round match of New
Jersey's Eric Taino, who fought through three rounds of matches just to
make the main draw. USOpen.org's Lucas Swineford profiles Taino whose large
entourage of family and friends are sure to give him a homecrowd advantage.
Open for Business
The Opening Night Ceremony at the 2002 US Open, appropriately titled,
"A Salute to Heroes," celebrated the beginning of the US Open and the spirit of
New York in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Around the grounds though, it was business as usual for many players, including
veterans Lindsay Davenport and Michael Chang who advanced to the second
round.
USOpen.org Player of the Day presented by Diet Pepsi
Reigning US Open Girls' Champion Marion Bartoli is back making waves
at the USTA National Tennis Center. The 17 year-old native of France opened up
her run at the 2002 US Open with a stunning upset Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario
in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1. Ally Baker Shows Promise In Pro Debut
Ally Baker is a name for the future on the women's professional
tennis tour. A native of Raleigh, N.C., Baker made her pro debut Monday in the
biggest cauldron of them all - the US Open. And she did it by forcing veteran
Elena Likhovtseva to battle three sets before the Russian finally prevailed
2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (3). TOP OF PAGE
Day 1 ... Notes
The "Salute to Heroes" ceremony included a procession with a U.S. flag
recovered from the World Financial Center and raised by Marines in
Afghanistan. The flag, which bears the names of 23 police officers killed
Sept. 11 and poetry and prayers written by victims' relatives, will fly over
Ashe Stadium for the tournament's two weeks.
Serena Williams' next opponent is Dinara Safina, the
16-year-old sister of 2000 Open champion Marat Safin.
U.S. women went 3-11 Monday, with former Wimbledon semifinalist
Alexandra Stevenson among the losers. TOP OF PAGE
BILLIE JEAN KING AND JOHN McENROE TO LEAD US OPEN
FLAG PROCESSION IN AUGUST 26 OPENING NIGHT CEREMONY
Tennis Legends To Represent Sport in US Open “Salute to Heroes”
With New York Police Academy Cadets, NYPD, NYFD, PAPD, and U.S. Marines
FLUSHING, N.Y., August 23, 2002 – The USTA today announced that Billie Jean King
and John McEnroe, two of tennis’ most popular and engaging champions, will lead
a procession of flags on-court during the US Open’s “A Salute to Heroes” Opening
Night Ceremony at the 2002 US Open Monday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Over 60 flags will represent each of the countries of the players competing in
the US Open. The US Open’s “A Salute to Heroes,” will honor the City’s uniformed
and civilian heroes of the past year who helped the City through its greatest
challenge ever. The USTA will raise over Arthur Ashe Stadium the Ground Zero
“Heroes” Flag – the flag recovered from Manhattan’s World Financial Center and
subsequently raised by U.S. Marines last fall upon capturing Kandahar Airport in
Afghanistan. King and McEnroe will join fellow New Yorkers Tony Bennett, Queen
Latifah and Judd Hirsch in the on-court tribute that begins the 2002 US Open’s
first evening session at 7:00 p.m. In addition, throughout the two weeks of the
US Open, the USTA will honor New York’s heroes through a series of nightly
tributes between matches.
Honor guards from the New York Police Department, New York Fire Department, Port
Authority Police Department and the U.S. Marine Corps will participate in the
ceremony, as will the New York Police Academy cadets, carrying the U.S. colors.
One of the US Open’s most illustrious and notable champions, King captured four
singles, five doubles and four mixed doubles titles when the Grand Slam
tournament was held in Forest Hills. The daughter of a firefighter in Long
Beach, Calif., King pioneered the first successful women’s professional tennis
tour, World TeamTennis, and remains active as captain of the U.S. Fed Cup team.
Queens native John McEnroe used his shot-making artistry to become a four-time
singles champion and five-time doubles champion at the US Open. McEnroe was a
mainstay in Davis Cup, holding 22 U.S. Davis Cup records while helping the U.S.
to five Davis Cup titles. McEnroe, who lives in Manhattan, remains closely
involved in tennis, competing in senior tennis events – including a September 7
Challenge Match at the US Open against Boris Becker – and as a popular color
commentator for CBS and USA Network. TOP OF PAGE
Serena, Hewitt get No. 1 seedings for U.S. Open
NEW YORK -- Four Americans top the women's seedings at the U.S. Open for the
first time since 1983, led by Serena Williams, who'll be aiming for her third
straight Grand Slam title.
Williams' sister, two-time defending champion Venus Williams, is seeded No. 2,
meaning they could meet only in the final. They have played for three of the
past four major championships.
Jennifer Capriati is seeded third, and Lindsay Davenport is No. 4 for the year's
final Grand Slam event, which opens Monday.
Nineteen years ago, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert Lloyd, Andrea Jaeger, Tracy
Austin and Pam Shriver were seeded 1-5.
Defending champion Lleyton Hewitt was seeded No. 1 in the men's field Tuesday,
with 2000 winner Marat Safin at No. 2. Tommy Haas is seeded third, followed by
Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Tim Henman, and two-time champion Andre Agassi.
Pete Sampras is seeded No. 17. He's a four-time U.S. Open champion and the
runner-up the past two years, but he hasn't won a tournament since Wimbledon in
2000.
2002 US Open Men's and Women's Singles Seeds
MEN
1. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia
2. Marat Safin, Russia
3. Tommy Haas, Germany
4. Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Russia
5. Tim Henman, Great Britain
6. Andre Agassi, United States
7. Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spain
8. Albert Costa, Spain
9. Carlos Moya, Spain
10. Sebastien Grosjean, France
11. Andy Roddick, United States
12. Thomas Johansson, Sweden
13. Roger Federer, Switzerland
14. Jiri Novak, Czech Republic
15. Guillermo Canas, Argentina
16. David Nalbandian, Argentina
17. Pete Sampras, United States
18. Alex Corretja, Spain
19. Xavier Malisse, Belgium
20. Younes El Aynaoui, Morocco
21. Gaston Gaudio, Argentina
22. Marcelo Rios, Chile
23. Rainer Schuettler, Germany
24. Sjeng Schalken, Netherlands
25. James Blake, United States
26. Juan Ignacio Chela, Argentina
27. Nicolas Lapentti, Ecuador
28. Fernando Gonzalez, Chile
29. Thomas Enqvist, Sweden
30. Andrei Pavel, Romania
31. Tommy Robredo, Spain
32. Max Mirnyi, Belarus
WOMEN
1. Serena Williams, United States
2. Venus Williams, United States
3. Jennifer Capriati, United States
4. Lindsay Davenport, United States
5. Jelena Dokic, Yugoslavia
6. Monica Seles, United States
7. Kim Clijsters, Belgium
8. Justine Henin, Belgium
9. Martina Hingis, Switzerland
10. Amelie Mauresmo, France
11. Daniela Hantuchova, Slovakia
12. Elena Dementieva, Russia
13. Silvia Farina Elia, Italy
14. Chanda Rubin, United States
15. Anastasia Myskina, Russia
16. Magdalena Maleeva, Bulgaria
17. Anna Smashnova, Israel
18. Ai Sugiyama, Japan
19. Anne Kremer, Luxembourg
20. Daja Bedanova, Czech Republic
21. Lisa Raymond, United States
22. Tatiana Panova, Russia
23. Patty Schnyder, Switzerland
24. Iva Majoli, Croatia
25. Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Spain
26. Nathalie Dechy, France
27. Tamarine Tanasugarn, Thailand
28. Eleni Danilidou, Greece
29. Barbara Schett, Austria
30. Meghann Shaughnessy, United States
31. Alexandra Stevenson, United States
32. Paola Suarez, Argentina TOP OF PAGE
The USTA today announced plans for a special Opening Night Ceremony
to celebrate the spirit of New York and the
start of the 2002 US Open, Monday evening, August 26 at 7:00 p.m. The US
Open's "A Salute to Heroes," will honor the City's uniformed and civilian
heroes of the past year who helped the City through its greatest challenge
ever. The USTA will raise over Arthur Ashe Stadium the Ground Zero "Heroes"
Flag - the flag recovered from Manhattan's World Financial Center and
subsequently raised by U.S. Marines last fall upon capturing Kandahar
Airport in Afghanistan. New Yorkers Tony Bennett, Queen Latifah and Judd
Hirsch will lead the on-court tribute that begins the 2002 US Open's first
evening session at 7:00 p.m. In addition, throughout the two weeks of the
US Open, the USTA will honor New York's heroes through a series of nightly
tributes between matches.
Honor guards from the New York Police Department, New York Fire Department,
Port Authority Police Department and the U.S. Marine Corps will participate
in the ceremony as will the New York Police Academy cadets, carrying the
U.S. colors as well as flags representing the 60 homelands of US Open
competitors. The Merchant Marine Academy Band from Kings Point will perform
leading up to the presentation of the "Heroes" Flag.
The "Heroes" Flag flew over Two World Financial Center in lower Manhattan
and was rescued by NYPD Officer and former U.S. Marine Peter J. Conlin as it
hung from a single remaining grommet atop the building. When brought to the
ground, the flag, still completely intact, was signed by hundreds of friends
and family of the victims, survivors and rescue workers gathered at Ground
Zero. The Flag, featuring personal messages, poetry and prayers became a
symbol of unity for those at Ground Zero. The Flag subsequently was taken
by the United States Marine Corps to Afghanistan. When the United States
captured Kandahar Airport, the "Heroes" Flag was raised over the airport.
On Opening Night, the "Heroes" Flag will be raised atop Arthur Ashe Stadium
and incorporated into the pre-match ceremony for the US Open Women's Singles
Final on Saturday, September 7, and will be lowered following the conclusion
of the September 8 Men's Singles Final, three days prior to the first
anniversary of the attacks on America.
"This is a very special year for New York and the US Open," said Arlen
Kantarian, Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, USTA. "This special
Opening Night ceremony will welcome the world to a confident and resilient
New York and provides the opportunity to honor and celebrate the courage and
heroism of New York and its people."
Bennett, who will sing "America the Beautiful," richly deserves the status
of "living legend" for a 50-plus year career as a musical performer with 10
Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and over 50 million records sold worldwide.
Born in Astoria, Queens, he got his big break performing with Pearl Bailey
and was then discovered by Bob Hope who took the young singer on the road.
An avid tennis fan, Bennett is a regular attendee at the US Open matches
each year.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Queen Latifah - who will sing the National
Anthem - is a Grammy Award winning artist, regarded as one of the most
influential female artists in recording history. She also has received
critical acclaim as an actress in films such as "Get it Off" and "Living Out
Loud." She will appear in three up-coming movies, "Bringing Down the House"
with Steve Martin, in which she is also serving as executive producer;
"Brown Sugar" with Taye Diggs; and "Chicago" with Richard Gere, Catherine
Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellwegger.
Hirsch, who will narrate the story of the "Heroes" Flag is best known for
his role on the hit television show "Taxi." Nominated for Best Supporting
Actor in "Ordinary People" in 1980, Hirsch has acted on Broadway since 1966.
He most recently appeared in the film, "A Beautiful Mind." Currently,
Hirsch is on Broadway in the revival of his Tony-award winning performance
in "I'm Not Rappaport." TOP OF PAGE
