The Cream Rises to the Top

      Being at the 2008 US Open was as magical as ever.  It took a few days for sports fans throughout the world to “regroup” after the Olympics, but now the Big Apple, and the world of sports, are totally focused on the action at Flushing Meadows. 

      It was a pleasure to watch Rafael Nadal battle the young American Sam Querrey.  Rafa’s focus was at a top level, and he exhibited the work ethic that has gotten him to the #1 ranking in the world.  Another highlight for me was speaking at length with Roger Federer’s father, Robert.  Robert and I first met at the Sampras-Federer match at Madison Square Garden, and it was nice to see him again.  The main topic of discussion was how slowly the courts are playing throughout the ATP Tour, and how serve and volley players are virtually becoming extinct.  Most notably, the Wimbledon grass is playing like a slow hard court now. 

     Robert Federer is a class act, and as they say, “the seed doesn’t fall far from the tree”….hence, Roger is also a classy gentleman.  I often chose underdogs over Federer in my pre match predictions; however, it's worth taking a moment to tip my hat to Roger and Robert and to say thank you  for being such good people in such a competitive sport (tennis).  It’s ironic how the two best players in the men’s game, Roger and Rafael, are the two most humble.  Neither of them party before Grand Slam matches, and both are all business.  After Rafa's match with Querrey, I asked him "How do you like New York City, having fun?"  He said, "I haven't seen New York too much, I'm here to play tennis"…..In short, what a great US Open it has been!...looking forward to Roddick and Djokovic.