US Open Veterans (Involuntary) Pass the Baton

Patrick: The 2021 U.S. Open was very exciting! We didn’t get to enjoy the talents of either Williams sister—Serena and Venus—as well as two of the top two men’s players in the world: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In their places, we were served some exciting newcomers to the top of the charts, and the Open didn’t miss a beat. Donald, what do you think?

Donald: It was amazing. I found myself rooting for someone outside the U.S. in 19-year old Leylah Fernandez. Initially, I thought she was Mexican, but she is Canadian with an Ecuadorian father and a Canadian mother with a Filipino background. Not only that, but she speaks three languages: French, English and Spanish. On her way to the women’s final, she beat three top-5 opponents, including Naomi Osaka.

Patrick: Note that, unseeded, she was a big underdog in all of her matches.

Russ: Even more interesting is that both she and 19-year old Emma Raducanu, the eventual 2021 U.S. Open women’s champion, was unseeded. Some would like to think the championship was given to them because of the absence of the usual superstars of the game, but I feel it’s just a sign of the changing times. That the youth are here to stay.

John: I agree, Russell. Just as in the past, there once was Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert Lloyd and Steffi Graf, which eventually moved to the Williams sisters, Anna Kournikova and Martina Hingis—now, there is a new generation…and we’re now seeing the possibilities.

Donald: Even though Osaka lost to Fernandez, the eventual runner-up this year, she’s still running things in my opinion. She’ll be back at some point, and her talent will again shine bright.

Patrick: All right, fellas. I have to admit, as I watched the early rounds, I pretty much gave the Open to men’s mainstay, and number one in the world, Novak Djokovic—was I wrong. Number 2 in the world, Daniil Medvedev beat Djokovic in straight sets to become the U.S. Open’s men’s champion. Not that huge an upset on paper--#2 beating #1—but still huge.

Russ: It’s tough for me to give big-big ups to Medvedev with both Nadal and Federer out with injuries, but I do have to give props when deserved. With that, big ups to Daniil Medvedev for pulling it out…and looking good doing it.

Patrick: Right on.

John: It’s interesting to note, too, that, in the semifinals, Djokovic had a really tough battle with the 4th seed: Alexander Zverev, going 5 sets, while Medvedev won in 3 sets over 12th seed Felix Auger Aliassime. Could’ve possibly played a part in the finals.

Donald: It had to. Shoot, that’s like running a two-lap race, your opponent at the same time running half a lap, then the two of you racing against each other—you may not have the legs that your opponent has. Just sayin’…

Patrick: Good point. So, does anyone have any last words on the subject?

Russ: I’m excited. I mean, I’m already missing the hell out of Venus and Serena, and I’m not even just talking about them not participating in this year’s U.S. Open. But, yeah, this new, young crop could treat us right for quite a few years.

Donald: I agree with all of that, so, shoot, let’s see what’s really going on!

John: The future’s bright.

Patrick: Indeed it is.

Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org