In 1975, the tournament introduced floodlights to facilitate play to continue well after the Sun has disappeared. The US Open was initially played in Newport, before making short stopovers at Forest Hills in New York and Germantown Cricket Club in Philadelphia, and eventually taking residence at the USTA centre in Flushing Meadows. Interestingly, the tournament ploughs back its net earnings into the development of tennis in the USA.
Besides, a study conducted last year showed that the US Open contributes nearly a billion dollars to the economic activity around the New York area during its two weeks of festive celebrations. The financial success of the event makes its one of the most eagerly awaited sporting festivals on the east coast of a country which is reeling in the grip of stubborn recession-like conditions.
When the tournament kicks off on Monday, all eyes will be on the stars as they begin battle for this year’s honour rolls. Andy Murray has never had an opportunity to defend a title. It will certainly be interesting to watch him react as he mounts another assault on the site of his maiden Grand Slam title. Defending champion Serena Williams has been there, done that in almost every area of tennis. But the popular star has never managed to succeed at defending any of her four titles at the US Open.
If Serena manages to succeed in a fortnight, she could eclipse Court as the oldest winner of the final Grand Slam event on the tennis calendar. Court was only 55 days into her 32nd year, but Williams would be just 18 days shy of her 32nd birthday, if she were to win on Sunday. On another note, history is Roger Federer‘s constant companion and this week shall be no different. Federer is all set to emulate the mighty effort of Wayne Ferreira, who played 56 Grand Slam events on the trot.
Of course, Rafael Nadal has made a compelling case for himself with his unbeaten 15-0 (53-3 overall) run on the hard courts this season. But would it really shock us if we have a first time major winner for the second year running? And for the faithful, could Federer find number 18 on the third Monday of the US Open – the first time ever that a Grand Slam event has been scheduled for a Monday close? Enjoy the tennis as Sportskeeda brings you all the action as quickly as it happens.
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