US OPEN 2012
US OPEN DIARY: ANDRE, ANDY BACK ON ASHE
New York, U.S.A.
by ATP Staff | 09.09.2012
Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi reunite on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at the news and talking points at the US Open on the second Sunday.
Andre, Andy Back On Ashe
Four days after stepping into retirement, American Andy Roddick returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium to introduce Andre Agassi at his US Open Court of Champions induction ceremony.
“He had such a big impact on my life when I was a kid,” said Roddick of his countryman, 12 years his senior. “Everyone wanted to be like him. He had an entire generation of kids wearing jean shorts and pink tights.
“I was lucky to be able to tag along with Andre early in my career, either as a practice partner or playing against him in exhibitions. Watching him go into rooms and shake everyone’s hand and look them in the eye, he gave everyone the kind of undivided attention you don’t often see from professional athletes.”
On his plaque, to be placed alongside the 21 other inductees’ near the South Entry Gate, Agassi is described as “the ultimate showman at the ultimate show”. He made an Open Era-record 21 straight appearances at the US Open and won the title in 1994 and ‘99.
“This is the only Grand Slam in my career that I’ve never missed,” said Agassi. “The reason, quite honestly, is you… I miss your sounds. I miss your silence. I miss giving you everything I had and a little bit more. Thank you for giving me everything you’ve had for 21 years and a little bit more.”
Serbia vs Scotland, Again
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will face off across the net in Monday’s final, but civilly sat side-by-side on Saturday to watch Serbia and Scotland play in World Cup qualifying action. “We took the computer and we watched. We were talking about the football qualifications. We tried to be quiet, but inside we were cheering for our own national teams,” Djokovic shared with a laugh following his match Sunday.
Murray missed the last couple minutes of the fixture after going out to warm up for his semi-final match against Tomas Berdych. Djokovic said about the outcome, “We had the great chance, but we missed. I think it was fair. 0-0.”
Sir Cliff Shows His Support
Sir Cliff Richard headed out to Court 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sunday afternoon to watch 18-year-old Briton Liam Broady play for the junior title against Canadian Filip Peliwo. Andy Murray’s mother, Judy, shared a picture of the musician in the stands, tweeting: “We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday....to the US Open. Sir Cliff watching @Liambroady in the boys final
. pic.twitter.com/pXYMvnFF”
Broady ended up falling to Peliwo 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, winning exactly five less points in the two hour, 25-minute match. Peliwo also won the Wimbledon junior title earlier this year.
Hangout With Dent
Tennis fans have a chance to take part in a virtual viewing party of the US Open final with former pro Taylor Dent. The American and broadcaster Kevin Skinner will be interacting with fans worldwide during a Google+ Hangout On Air, providing expert analysis and insight as Djokovic and Murray play for the title Monday. Fans can register now to join the Google+ Hangout, as well as submit questions via Google+ and Twitter using the hashtag #usopenhangout.
Tweet Of The Day
@judmoo (Judy Murray): “DJ RedFoo giving Novak some tips in the player garden.... pic.twitter.com/XUve5fgW”
