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Midterm grades at the U.S. Open American women once again carrying the torchPosted: Monday September 02, 2002 11:47 AM
NEW YORK -- With a week in the proverbial books, it's time to pass out some midterm marks from the 2002 U.S. Open. As usual, all grading is done on the Cornell University curve. That is, regular attendance assures a grade of no lower than a C.
Williams sisters: Biggest challenge thus far has been squeezing their bodies into their costumes. Men's tennis: It might get ripped daily in the press, but it's carried the tournament thus far.
American women: Ten Yankettes make Round of 32, including the top four seeds. Man, what a Fed Cup dynamo. Oh, wait ... never mind. Bea Bealik: Bea gets an A. Long Islander makes good on her wild card, reaching third round before losing dogfight against Justine Henin. American Express: Love those ads. Television coverage: Tons of it, fairly evenly distributed between genders and between stars dominating qualifiers and lesser players locked in competitive matches. And thanks to pros like Ted Robinson and, of course, John McEnroe, even the blowouts are entertaining to watch.
Jennifer Capriati: Seems to have rediscovered her game. It's just a good thing there isn't an interview portion of the competition. Hey, JenJen, what do they say about Anna Kournikova in Germany? "Title? Nein." Lleyton Hewitt: Play of the defending champ has been typically superb, and he lapsed into comporting himself like a gentleman against James Blake. But can one of his (baggage) handlers please encourage him to drop this petty, public squabble with the ATP? Lines such as "It's a known fact that they're lying" are the kind of rhetoric one usually hears at second-grade recess. James Blake: If only his backhand were as natural and consistent as his charm and grace. Martina Hingis: Game still coated in rust, but at least former champ is competing well.
Jelena Dokic: Fifth seed showed little resolve in decisive second-round loss to Elena Bovina. Anna Kournikova: Reversed much of her summer progress in first-round abomination against Angelique Widjaja. However, seemed to have gotten over any embarrassment by the time the cameras came calling at the MTV Video Music Awards. Russian men: Neither Marat Safin nor Yevgeny Kafelnikov, both among the top four seeds, survive Round 2. Suddenly, that Davis Cup tie against the Argentines on hard courts could be very interesting. Common sense: Note to the empty suits: Sanctioning a player for wearing a sleeveless shirt is precisely the kind of stuffy, letter-of-the-law nonsense that wounds the sport's image and reputation. Mother Nature: No, you must be confused. Wimbledon is the one in late June and early July. Sports Illustrated senior writer Jon Wertheim is covering the U.S. Open for CNNSI.com. Check back each evening to read his daily reports, and click here to send a question to his Tennis Mailbag.
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