USA: TENNIS: Tennis fans react to first day of action at the U.S. Open

Rain did not stop fans from pouring into the USTA Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York for the first day of tennis action. Overcast skies and periodic drizzles also failed to deter the players as they took to the practice courts to prepare for the start of play. Top seeds Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal provided some excitement for the waiting fans as they walked into the practice area and signed autographs. The gloom lifted soon enough and more players were seen out and about. Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams were seen on the outside courts as were British tennis stars Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman, who incidentally face each other in the first round. Fans are looking forward to the two weeks of tennis action in the city. "I am looking forward to a lot of good tennis being played. I can't wait to see Feliciano Lopez and Robby Ginepri. They are my two big favourites," said teenager Meredith Bartelstein, an avid tennis fan. New York City hosts the last tennis Grand Slam of the year and many feel like it is the perfect city to end a great year of tennis. What distinguishes New York from cities like Melbourne, Paris, or London? "Probably the fact that its in New York and you have all sorts of different people here and different countries get behind different players. Lot of energy, lot of enthusiasm," said Bob Dallis, a visitor to the Open. American Andy Roddick who comfortable won his first round match against Florent Serra in straight sets was given a special award along with women's tennis player Ana Ivanovic. The award was for the two players on the tour who have had a successful run leading up to the U.S. Open, the summer's U.S. Open Series Lever 2000 Challenge. Players have the opportunity of winning bonus prize money at the US Open based on their final standings in the Challenge. Another American is playing his last U.S. Open tournament this year. Much loved tennis player, Andre Agassi who has won eight grand slam titles, the only man in the open era to win all four ,and 60 career titles is bidding farewell to the tennis courts. Fittingly he is choosing to end his tennis career here on home turf. Fans were unanimous in voting him a complete joy to watch, a man who will be greatly missed. Shantie Dookhoo, an avid follower of the game said, "Everybody will miss him of course but it's great that he was able to stay out here and was able to play as long as he did. And I think he puts a show on for the spectators, for the fans. So that's the great thing about him." Another tennis fan, also a self declared Agassi fan, is excited to be part of Agassi's last year at the Open but is definitely sorry to see him go. "Well, it's gonna be exciting, I guess. But it's kind of sad that its his last tournament and we can't see him play again. But it was great watching him." said Kyle Killian. Sandy Heid who has made it all the way over from South Dakota to root for Agassi, believes he has it in him to win the Open one last time. And tonight is the beginning of that campaign. "He's great, he's wonderful and he's always been a pleasure to watch all the years he's been on T.V. He's done a great thing for tennis and it's an emotional night tonight. Can't wait to see him," she said.

ITN Source | August 30, 2006

Tags:. .excited. .failed. .straight. .sorts. .skies