Tennis, everyone?

SPORTING GOODS

So I had my first US Open experience last night, and I have to say despite the 75 minute plus rain delay and getting home after 2, it was overall a great experience.

And this is mostly because the organizers of the event really seem to know what they are doing. Tales of unusually high security were off, as we sped right through the line. We were able to get around the pricey food by bringing in our own. And most importantly, as the stadium began to empty out after the rain and as the second match went late, US Open officials came around with passes and asked us to go down to the ground level.

So on a $15 discount ticket, I found myself 6 rows from the court, watching Rafa Nadal pick wedgies from his capri pants right in front of me. It really is a different game when you are that close, with serves coming straight in your direction at 130 miles per hour.

So if you find yourself at Arthur Ashe stadium at a night session, pray for a brief rain storm. It will drive away the families and the suits who are just there on free company tickets, and next thing you know you'll be yelling encouragement to players from just 15 feet away.

In other personal tennis news, Scoville Jenkins may be my new favorite player. Last night's score wasn't indicative of how close the match really was, or how hard he made Nadal work. That said, Nadal is really, really good. I am now a believer.