Welcome to the 2012 U.S. Open!

Hey all – it’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to throw up a post;  between working six nights a week in Branson and preparing for the 2012 U.S. Open, it’s been a little busy! I haven’t talked a lot about it – but for the past two months I’ve been the announcer for the “The Price is Right, Live!” at the Welk Resort Theater in Branson. If you live in the Ozarks and haven’t been yet, you need to come check out the show – we’re having a blast giving away cash and prizes every night! The show is scheduled to run through December 29th.

Now…plenty has happened with the U.S. Open Series since my previous post after Novak Djokovic’s win in Toronto, a week after his Bronze Medal Match loss to Argentine Juan Martin del Potro…

…Roger Federer went on to win in Cincinnati and John Isner captured the title again in Winston-Salem. On the ladies side, Petra Kvitova is in the zone after winning the titles in both Montreal and New Haven. Li Na captured the title two weeks ago in Cincinnati.

Here’s a recap of this year’s Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series winners…

THE FELLAS:

Atlanta: Andy Roddick
Los Angeles: Sam Querrey
Washington D.C. (during Olympics): Alexandr Dolgopolov
Toronto: Novak Djokovic
Cincinnati: Roger Federer
Winston-Salem: John Isner

THE LADIES:

Stanford: Serena Williams
Carlsbad: Dominika Cibulkova
Washington D.C. (during Olympics): Magdalena Rybarikova
Montreal: Petra Kvitova
Cincinnati: Li Na
New Haven: Petra Kvitova

Nole clinched the top spot in the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series Bonus Challenge; should he win the 2012 U.S. Open, he will win an additional $1-million in prize money. Sam Querrey and John Isner will also compete for additional earnings at this year’s Open, for finishing in the top-three.

Petra Kvitova clinched the top spot in the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series Bonus Challenge on the ladies side, and she too could win an additional $1-million should she win the U.S. Open. Li Na and Dominika Cibulkova will both be competing for additional prize money, as well, for finishing second and third in the series.

Day One of the U.S. Open features a ton of big names…here on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the day session will feature last year’s champion Samantha Stosur, Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Murray and French Open Champion Maria Sharapova.

Monday Night starts with an amazing Opening Ceremony like you’ve never seen, featuring Jordin Sparks and more. Then Kim Clijsters returns for her Flushing swan song followed by Donald Young vs. Roger Federer.

Arthur Ashe Kids Day was a blast on Saturday…hopefully you got a chance to see it on CBS Sunday. If not, enjoy the finale featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, Matthew Morrison, Quddus, Susie Castillo, Mindless Behavivor, Owl City, Rachel Crow, The Wanted and more…(and pay no attention to the rhythm-less, bald white guy to the left of the umpire’s chair – thank you!)