Each morning here at the Observer’s U.S. Open blog we’re going to tell you what to look out for in the day’s action. Today’s tip: arrive early!
The heavy-hitters — Jelena Jankovic, Justine Henin, Roger Federer — will steal the spotlight at Arthur Ashe today. But you know how these first-round matches go: some of them are over in 40 minutes. If you have a pass that lets you into Arthur Ashe, don’t be late.
Expect a mob scene on some of the outer courts as well. American hopeful, 18-year-old Donald Young, will hit his first serve on Court 11 at 11am. In addition to being the possible next-big-thing for American tennis, it might be the only time the New York crowd gets to see him (in other words, it could be a quick exit for Young).
Continuing with the stars-and-stripes theme, later today on Court 11 is the battle of the American women-hopefuls: Vania King v. Meghann Shaughnessy.
You could nest at Court 13 for the day and get unbelievable tennis. Richard Gasquet, Tommy Haas and Elena Dementieva play in back-to-back-to-back matches.
Match of the Day: 11am at Louis Armstrong, Marcos Baghdatis v. Max Mirnyi. Baghdatis should win, but at least you’ll get to see some power tennis for the first round. And if you get a good seat for this match, you’ll be happy because John Isner, that other American stud, hits Louis Armstrong after this match.
