Apologies for the tardiness of this post, and congratulations to Novak Djokovic for winning his first U.S. Open title! What an amazing year for Novak, too – winning his second Australian Open, his first Wimbledon and his first U.S. Open. Not to mention, picking up five ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Titles…the first player in history to do so!
Here’s a photo of what Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest stadium in tennis, looks like completely full…(22,547 individual seats, 90 luxury suites)…this was taken during the Federer vs. Djokovic Semi-Final – where ticket holders were on the edge of their seat during the entire match…
[lightbox link=”http://andytayloronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/USO11-FullStadium.png” thumb=”http://andytayloronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/USO11-FullStadium-320×200.png” width=”320″ align=”right” title=”” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=”Sold Out: Arthur Ashe Stadium”]Opinion – the Nadal vs. Djokovic Final wasn’t as thrilling as the Djokovic vs. Federer Semi-Final; however – the Djokovic vs. Nadal Final has some of the most amazing and memorable rallies ever seen on center court at the U.S. Open. In fact, at one point, the very pregnant Beyonce had to stand for over 20-minutes before taking her seat with Jay-Z because of a 15-minute game!
Quite honestly, Rafa looked unbeatable during most of the Open with the pace we was throwing behind his forehand; but thanks to Novak’s fitness – he was able to accentuate his aggressive offense with alarming defense. Many of their rallies were loaded with what seemed like impossible “gets” and shot-making…we were in awe in the announce booth.
Considering his French Open win, and the burns to his fingers in Canada this year, Nadal should ultimately consider 2011 a success. With the type of year Djokovic has had, you know both Rafa and Roger will train lights-out as we approach 2012, to catch up to Novak’s level of fitness. They’ll also allow for more offensive risk when it comes to shot-making against the Serb – who’s had one of the most successful years in tennis history without winning the “Career Grand Slam.”
It’s just amazing that these three athletes can be so much better than the rest – and continue to distance themselves from the pack. Perhaps Rafa and Roger will invest in their own SPACE EGGS in 2012?!
Maybe I should try this for voice-over work?
Anyway – the 2011 U.S. Open is officially complete…Stosur and Djokovic are your winners…and still, the biggest names in tennis for this Open, without question – were Irene and Lee.
To those in New York and the Northeast still suffering the effects of both storms – our thoughts are with you and your families. May future August/September(s) bring you better weather, and on-time tennis in Flushing Meadows!
