US OPEN 1999 - Report and photos by Miyuki & Mamis

We arrived in NY on Saturday, Aug 28. The next day, Sunday, we went shopping which was the only day we enjoyed Manhattan. We didn't do any sight-seeing. We didn't go to the Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park or any other famous place in NY. I don't know why, but I have no interest in NY. I came here just for the Open!!!!!

Aug. 30 - the first day of the US OPEN
The gate opened at 10AM. It took about 10 minutes for us to go into the USTA National Tennis Center. We had to go through baggage inspection. We had about one hour before the matches started at 11AM, so we decided to watch players practice. When we arrived at the practice courts, we found Julie Halard-Decugis, Iva Majoli, and Monica Seles practicing. Then we found Dominique Van Roost, Olga Barabanschikova, and Mirjana Lucic
practicing. When we watched Olga practicing, she recognized us and she smiled to us and gave us the peace sign. She looked very friendly!

At 11AM, we went to Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch the Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario vs Jelena Dokic match. The Arthur Ashe Stadium is huge. My seat was too far from the court to enjoy the match, but I could enjoy great view from there. We left there for other courts even before the first set ended. Separated from my friend, I watched Anke Huber's match. After overcoming the first set struggle, she won her first round match. She looked like she was doing well. Next I watched Lucic play against Erica de Lone. That was an easy match for Lucic. The game following this match was Amelie Mauresmo vs Justine Henin. It was the most exciting one for me today. I saw them for first time in person, and I think they're both brilliant! Henin attracted me with her good footwork and powerful shots, but Mauresmo won the crucial points and won this match. Henin needs more experience to defeat a seeded player like Amelie.

After this match I watched Barbara Schwartz vs Rita Grande with my friend. I was looking forward to seeing Barbara's play because she played well at the French Open. Regretably, she lost this match with many mistakes though she showed us some marvelous shots. After Barbara lost her first round match, she accepted my offer to take a picture together. She must be a nice person!

Aug. 31- the Second Day
Today was the day of NZ's match which I dreamed of for a long time. Her first round opponent was Ines Gorrochategui. We watched this match in the front row of court 7. First thing which caught my attention was her new Yonex outfit. The vivid blue color matched her! She won easily, and I did not worry a bit. As far as this was match concerned, she was in good condition and her right ankle looked recovered. She won this match 6-2, 6-2. I couldn't stop hoping for a second round win.

Prior to this match when I was walking, I came across NZ practicing at court 12. She was with Katarina Srebotnik, Tina Krizan, one person that I don't know her name, and her coach. She seemed enjoy her practice, and she and Srebotonik seemed like friends (I hope they play together for doubles!!!) After she finished her practice, I had a chance to take a picture with her. Needless to say, it was one of my best memory during my whole trip. Also, I was able to give a present from Japan to NZ.

Me:"This is a present for you!"
NZ: "Thanks!"
Me:"Can I take a picture with you?"
NZ: "Sure!"

When I was taking the picture, I was very nervous beside NZ. I couldn't believe that she was so close to me!!! Anyway, she was very friendly.

In addition to this, I watched Barabanschikova, Capriati and Majoli, Rubin and Martinez, Sugiyama and Smashnova, and Testud matches today.

(Oh! I forgot to say that.... Yesterday after my friend separated from me, she saw NZ, Amelie and Chanda practicing together! They seemed very close and NZ said to Amelie "Merci Beaucoup!" She was also praising Amelie for her volley well done. And NZ had an In Style magazine.)

Sep. 1- the Third Day
No match was scheduled for NZ today. And the matches I wanted to watch were not those of my friend, so we decided to watch the matches separately. I watched Tanasugarn vs Spirlea, Mauresmo vs De Swardt, Schnyder vs Raymond, Huber vs Kremer. I enjoyed them very much!

Sep. 2- the Fourth Day
As soon as the gate opened, we rushed into the Grandstand where the NZ vs. Amy Frazier match was scheduled as the first match. When we arrived at the stadium, NZ was practicing with her coach. She wore a white Oakley T-shirt, a black Yonex short pants, and Oakley sunglasses. We sat on the left side of the front row facing to the referee's chair.

While we were waiting for the first match to start, an American boy behind me said to his parents "The first match is not important. These people are here to watch Justin Gimelstob's game!" "What? Excuse me, little boy, you know nothing. We are here to watch NZ's game!" I did not say that loud, but I was almost about to say it aloud.

Anyway, NZ's second round match started. The first game of the first set told us everything of the match. NZ got some break points in this game, but she couldn't get the next point. If she had taken this, the result would have changed. During this match she wore same color outfit of which she had worn the day before yesterday.

NZ and Jana's doubles match took place at court 7 as the fourth match. Their opponents were Cacic and Drake.NZ wore same style outfit but different color of which she had worn in her first match. When all players gathered by net for coin toss, NZ and Jana teased at their opponent for the showy outfit of which one of the opponents wore. They' were all laughing.

At first, I didn't think NZ and Jana would be bothered by their opponent, but they lost the first set!!! NZ and J should not have lost this set even though the opposing team played well. NZ and J seemed to not be concentrating well, and they also seemed  careless. I thought NZ and Jana would either lose this match, or even if they had won this one they would lose following match and be unable to obtain the US Open doubles title. NZ and J did not seem to play like the No.1 seed doubles team. Although they regained their typical form in the second set and won after that, I didn't think they would win the Open.

Sep. 3- the Fifth Day and our Last Day
As NZ's game was not scheduled today, we decided to watch matches separately. After I separated from my friend, I went to the Arthur Ash Stadium where I came my first day. The wind blew gently over the stadium and I felt so great as I almost felt in sleep. When I listened to the National Anthem of the United States before the game started, I felt strongly that I am in the USA. 

Then I watched Srebotonik and Krizan vs Tauziat and Fusai. A French woman who sat close to me during the game seemed to know Fusai personally and she was rooting for Fusai. She screamed at Fusai, " Allez! Alex!!! Allez! Alex Allez! Allez!" It sounded a bit funny, so at first I laughed at it with an American boy who sat next me. Srebotnik and Krizan played fine, but T and F played better than Srebotnik and Krizan. T and F did not miss the opportunity for taking some important points. This game was concluded after two sets with T and F being victorious.

Then I also watched Srebotnik's mix doubles match. I watched her match because I hope Srebotnik will play doubles with NZ! Unfortunately, Srebotnik lost this match too. But I still believe she will be a good doubles player. As we all know, she won her first Grand Slam mixed doubles title at the French Open this year. Srebotnik's skill to control different kind of shots and strategy for game is outstanding for her age. If Srebotonik and NZ play together, we can enjoy a lot. Though that is just my opinion.

Summary:
Time flew so fast and I enjoyed my entire trip. The US open was great and never made me bored. I will definitely go and see the next US Open. Moreover, I wish someday I could be there for whole two weeks from the first match to the final game. 

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Report and photos by Miyuki & Mamis