US Open Preview Issue

Sink or Swim:

Serena’s Chances in NYC

10 Best US Open Moments

page 6

page 16

6 Stars of Summer page 22

2014 US OPEN PREVIEW

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CONTENTS

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

SERENA’S CHANCES AT THE US OPEN

QUEENS FOR A DAY

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TOP 10 US OPEN MOMENTS

SHOE REVIEW: BARRICADE 8+

THE STARS OF SUMMER

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SHOT SPOT: DJOKOVIC’S RETURN

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL

Lana Maciel EDITOR

WRITERS

Erik Gudris

How often have we entered a Grand Slam event where even the top seeds and usual favorites are now huge question marks? In recent years, not very often. But going into this year’s US Open, that appears to be the case.

For starters, Rafael Nadal withdrew due to a lingering right wrist injury, leaving the men’s singles draw without a defending champion. The next in line, last year’s finalist Novak Djokovic has admitted that things are “not clicking” for him on the hard courts this summer. Then there’s 2012 champion Andy Murray. Not having a top-10 win in 14 months can take a toll on a player. He enters the tournament ranked No. 9 and understandably frustrated with his (lack of) performance of late. Roger Federer, on the other hand, has a legitimate shot. After reaching the final in Toronto and taking the Cincy title (with his trusty RF 97, no less), he’s the only one of the big four with some significant momentum behind him.

The women’s draw is much the same, with Serena Williams having spotty results this summer, in addition to the absence of Australian Open champ Li Na due to a knee injury. Sharapova gained a little ground in Cincinnati with an appearance in the semifinals, but a loss to Ana Ivanovic indicates that she has a few hiccups to take care of before the start of play.

All this leaves us to wonder if this is the year the next multiple-Slam winner will get past the big names and make his or her big breakthrough. But hey, what better place to do it than in New York City.

Until next time, enjoy the tennis!

Chris Oddo

Blair Henley blair@tennisnow.com Matt Locke Howard Leff

DESIGN Kriss Zambrano Natalia Valenkova

PHOTOGRAPHY Christopher Levy Getty Images

CONTACT US To advertise with us: ads@tennisnow.com General comments or questions: media@tennisnow.com

Lana Maciel Tennis Now Magazine, Editor lana@tennisnow.com

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2014 US OPEN PREVIEW

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Serena at the

By Erik Gudris

us open

favorite to win or go home early?

Despite a solid summer on the hard courts, questions remain on how far Serena Williams will go at this years US Open.

At the recent tournament in Cincinnati, Serena Williams was asked what would be a good US Open for her considering the season she’s had in 2014. Her response said a lot.

“I mean, obviously to win it would be great, but we’ll see. Hopefully I’ll do the best I can regardless.”

Williams will do her best, no doubt. But will that be good enough to get her into the second week, let alone give her a chance to defend her title? This year has been a strange one for the world No. 1 – full of success and disappointment in equal measure.

First, the good parts. After bouncing back from a bizarre medical episode during an early round doubles match with her sister Venus Williams at Wimbledon, Serena enters New York having won both leadup events in Stanford and, for the first time, Cincinnati. Serena also owns titles won this year in Brisbane, Miami and Rome.

After being criticized earlier in her career for not caring so much for the regular WTA tour events, Williams proves she remains committed to winning every single title she can, no matter where it lies in the schedule.

Not that her title runs during this summer hard court swing were easy. Williams often got off to slow starts in many matches and had to pull out several tight three-set wins.

Sometimes she found her biggest weapon, her serve, just when she needed it. Other times, she had to rely on “winning ugly” – not always the most surefire way of ending up the victor.

Yet it’s at the Grand Slams where Williams has really struggled throughout the year. Early round losses in Melbourne to Ana 6 2014 US OPEN PREVIEW

“I feel good about going into the rest of the year”

Ivanovic, in Paris to Garbine Muguruza and at Wimbledon to Alize Cornet saw the 17-time major winner exit before the end of the first week. Even though she now enters the US Open once again as the favorite, that expectation is tempered by her lackluster results at the biggest events of the year.

Despite all her troubles, Williams is still having the kind of season most players can only dream about.

But, as we all know, Williams wants more glory at the majors and could add a big exclamation mark to her year by repeating as winner in New York.

But if she doesn’t, would she be that disappointed?

Williams has often made comments that she isn’t putting pressure on herself to try and repeat her stellar 2013 season, including winning two majors.

It’s those comments that have some wondering if Williams is already focused on next year.

When asked about it, Williams confirmed that her mindset of not focusing on defending points from last year will help her down the stretch this season. even more fun if you’re not because you can only

“I think it’s a little bit of both. I feel pretty good about going into the rest of the year. You know, I’m excited about next year. It’s going to be kind of fun to go to a tournament and not be defending champion.

It’s always fun to be defending champion, but it’s always even more fun if you’re not because you can only go forward and only move up. It’s pretty cool. I feel good about going into the rest of the year.”

At the moment, Williams remains US Open defending champion, and to have a shot at keeping her crown, she at least has to get back to the final.

Make note that Williams has been in at least one Grand Slam singles final stretching all the way back to 2006. A sixth US Open title would put Williams back on track to climb higher on the short list of tennis legends. Another early exit might force Williams to reexamine what’s next for her. How she will truly feel about either result, well, that’s a question only she can answer.

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Do The U.S. Open Like a Real New Yorker.

Next Stop: NYC As the summer winds down and the hard court season reaches its pinnacle, we turn our tennis thoughts to America’s most electrifying event, The U.S. Open. Humidity aside, it’s probably the coolest stop on the tour—as the game’s top players punch it out in the world’s most exciting city. Navigating the tournament (and the town) can seem both intimidating and expensive, but a few simple guidelines can help you eliminate some pesky unforced errors.

By Howard Leff

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1

MOVE TO MANHATTAN. Huh? Well, temporarily, at least. Sure, the tennis takes place in Queens, but the real action’s across the river.

Unfortunately, Manhattan hotels cost nearly as much as installing an actual tennis court in your backyard. That’s why you’re going to ditch the mini-bar and concierge and opt for a cute one bedroom walkup on the Upper West Side (www.airbnb.com). Aim for something between W70th and W100th Street. This is the New York of your cinematic dreams: residential, charming and walking distance from Central Park, the Hudson River and Broadway.

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YOU HAVE AN APARTMENT. USE IT!

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CLAY TIME.

Remember, you’re a (temporary) New Yorker now. Act like one. Get to know your neighborhood’s local markets, make a grocery list and do some shopping. (One example: Westside Markets, Broadway & 77th and Broadway & 97th.) If nothing else, buy some breakfast items and save money trying to eat out every morning. Your host’s kitchen likely has a coffee maker too. Wake up and plan the day in the comfort of someone else’s home.

You’re in town to see some tennis. Why not be a player too? Slip into a pair of (what else?) tennis shoes and jog over to the Riverside Clay Tennis Association. It’s located right along the Greenway in Riverside Park at the end of W97th St. There you’ll find ten gorgeous red clay courts so close to the Hudson that a stiff easterly wind could take your baseline lob to New Jersey. You can even borrow racquets from the RCTA and buy tennis balls. Rates are $15 per person per hour for singles.

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NOTE:

No matter where you end up, make sure it’s air-conditioned!

buy some breakfast items and save money...

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THE 7.

Traffic and parking problems make driving to The Open as much fun as chasing down a Roger Federer drop volley.

Take the subway instead. Board the 7 train at either Times Square or Grand Central, hang on and relax. It’s about a 30-minute ride, much of it pretty scenic, since it’s partly above ground. Get off at the Mets-Willets Point station and walk the overpass.

TIP:

Leave your apartment early, give yourself time for lunch and take the train one extra stop to Flushing-Main St. There you’ll find a pulsating Chinatown, quickly becoming one of the largest anywhere. Try the nearby (and cash-only) Nan Xiang Dumpling House (38-12 Prince St.) for the Scallion Pancake with Beef, Pan Fried Pork Buns and of course, soup.

TICKETS, PLEASE. The Open takes place at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but everyone calls it Flushing Meadows.

See the most tennis up-close with a Grounds Admission ticket ($67-$78), allowing access to Louis Armstrong Stadium and all the smaller courts. This lets you wander and watch matches for hours at a time, but it’s first-come, first-served. Note: These tickets are only sold during the first eight days of the event.

The NTC features more than two dozen dining options ranging from the “Food Village” carts…all the way up to premium full service restaurants. These include “Aces,” with its vaulted ceilings, bright color scheme and full sushi bar, as well as “Champions Bar & Grill,” which has more of a leather and wood steakhouse feel. There’s also the Latin-inspired “Mojito Restaurant & Bar,” plus the redesigned, upper-level “Heineken Red Star Café” -which offers plenty of people watching.

If you can swing it, try for a nighttime ticket to the main stage: Arthur Ashe Stadium. It’s the nation’s premiere tennis venue and by far the world’s largest (23,000 seats).

Unless you’re willing to spend big, sit up high where prices are still in double digits. Also, bring your binoculars for star-gazing. Not above, but below. Celebs who attend regularly include Jessica Alba, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Sarah Jessica Parker and even The Wolf of Flushing Meadows, Leonardo DiCaprio.

IF YOU GO:

Play begins Aug. 25. Download the free “New York Subway Map” app upon arrival.

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GRACEFUL GOAT

With Rafael Nadal out of the picture and his other top opponents having a subpar summer, this year’s US Open could be Roger Federer’s best shot at silencing critics by winning his 18th major.

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SWEET GLORY

Robredo proved that aged veterans can still beat world No. 1s when he defeated Novak Djokovic at the Western & Southern Open. The victory ended Djokovic’s shot at holding all nine Masters 1000 titles.

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By Chris Oddo

Since 1968 the US Open has been a pioneer among the Grand Slams. It was the first to host play on three different surfaces, the first to play night sessions and the first to offer equal prize money to men and women. In 1970, the US Open became the first Grand Slam to use a tiebreak, and today it remains as the only one of the four Slams to play a deciding-set tiebreak. In 2006, the US Open became the first Grand Slam to allow players to challenge line calls via the Hawk-Eye system.

But innovations aside, the US Open has always been about something more important—the tennis. The unbridled energy, the late-night nail biters, the instant classics, the heat-of-the-moment rivalries, and the legends.

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Here’s a look back at 10 US Open moments that have each, in their own special way, captured the essence of what the US Open means to tennis:

1968

Arthur Ashe Wins First Men’s Title of Open Era

Legendary Arthur Ashe was still an amateur when he pocketed $20 per diem for winning the men’s singles at Forest Hills in 1968, but the soft-spoken, smooth-stroking ace of the serve-and-volley wasn’t in it for the money, anyway. As the first black male to win a Grand Slam and the first American male to win the US Open in 13 years, Ashe was a role model and political activist in addition to being one of the greatest players of his generation. Ashe beat Tom Okker of the Netherlands in the final, 14-12, 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

1979 Tracy Austin Becomes Youngest US Open Champion

1984 Super Saturday— Arguably the Best Day in Tennis History Super Saturday has met its share of criticism in recent years, as the wisdom of having men play back-to-back five-setters has been put into question, especially when rains have forced many a Monday final to be played. But back in the day, Super Saturday was a oneof-a-kind in the tennis world, and no single year epitomized what the day was meant to be better than Saturday, Sept. 8, 1984.

1988

Steffi Graf’s first of five US Open titles will be remembered the most fondly by all, as it was the one that marked the last successful capture of the calendar-year Grand Slam by any player, male or female.

Graf, who would go on to make it a golden slam by winning Olympic gold in Seoul, Korea, later in the year, defeated Gabriela Sabatini in the final, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Graf had the right attitude at the US Open. When asked after her first round, what her expectations were, Graf expressed the same bristling confidence and wisdom that she displayed on court in New York. “I’m not feeling impatient at all,” Graf said. “I know I could lose the next round, who knows?

Steffi Graf What comes, comes.”

Tracy Austin, who had ended Chris Evert’s superhuman 125-match clay-court winning streak earlier in 1979, took things a step further in New York when she ended Evert’s 31-match US Open win streak to become the youngest champion in the tournament’s history. A high school junior at the time, Austin took down Martina Navratilova in the semis before triumphing over Evert. “I don’t think about being the youngest,” Austin said. “I just think about the champion’s part.”

With a women’s final between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert sandwiched between to-diefor men’s semifinals featuring Ivan Lendl versus Pat Cash and John McEnroe versus Jimmy Connors, fans were treated to 13 sets (every match went the distance) of blistering tennis. Navratilova defeated Evert for the title, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, and McEnroe would go on to win his third men’s title in New York on Sunday, in straight sets. But it was the fans, ultimately, who came away with the lion’s share on this perfect Saturday afternoon in New York.

Completes Grand Slam

1999

Sampras Becomes Youngest and LowestSeeded Man to Win

In 1990, New York hailed the beginning of the Pete Sampras era in men’s tennis, one that started with the fuzzy-haired American bashing his way to his first Grand Slam title at the tender age of 19, and ended with Sampras winning what was at the time a record 14th Grand Slam in his last major in 2002. After getting past Ivan Lendl in five sets in the quarterfinals, Sampras crushed the comeback hopes of John McEnroe in the semis before cruising past Andre Agassi in the first all-American US Open final in more than 10 years. In 1990, New York hailed the beginning of the Pete Sampras era in men’s tennis, one that started with the fuzzyhaired American bashing his way to his first Grand Slam title at the tender age of 19, and ended with Sampras winning what was at the time a record 14th Grand Slam in his last major in 2002. After getting past Ivan Lendl in five sets in the quarterfinals, Sampras crushed the comeback hopes of John McEnroe in the semis before cruising past Andre Agassi in the first all-American US Open final in more than 10 years.

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2001

it was just a chance to take the sibling rivalry to the world stage. Venus would win in straight sets, as 22.7 million American television viewers tuned in during prime time.

And the rest, as they say, was history.

The First Ever Meeting of Sisters in a US Open Final

It was the moment everybody had been waiting for—the moment that shaped a generation, and ushered in the Williams sisters era for all of New York and the world to behold. ‘’I don’t think they can even appreciate what this means right now,’’ Venus and Serena’s mother, Oracene Williams, told Selena Roberts of the New York Times before

2004

Federer’s Win over Hewitt Springboards Him to First US Open Title Roger Federer’s iconic and graceful game has meant so much to the world, and New York is no exception.

The Swiss maestro, whether wearing Wimbledon whites or his Darth Vader New York night session blacks, possesses the ability to send fans into incredulous worship with the wave of his magic wand— something he has done in New York with regularity since he first burst onto the scene as the game’s greatest global ambassador. Federer began his unprecedented five-year run at the pinnacle of the US Open in 2004 with a 6-0, 7-6(3), 6-0 thumping of former champion Lleyton Hewitt, and he would go on to set an Open Era record in New York by reeling off five consecutive titles and 41 consecutive wins before finally falling in the 2009 final to Juan Martin del Potro.

2012 Everybody tends to focus on Andy Murray’s grass-court exploits—either the Olympic title that spring-boarded Murray’s US Open run or the 2013 Wimbledon title that sent all of tennis-mad Great Britain 18 2014 US OPEN PREVIEW

the big final. ‘’It’s the real deal, though. It’s like no one knew the impact Ali made until it registered in the history books.’’

Thirteen years and 24 Grand Slam titles later, we know that the Williams sisters have written one of the most remarkable and significant chapters in women’s tennis history, but to them in 2001,

Agassi’s Rousing Farewell

2006 One of the greatest Americans to ever play the game gave one of the greatest farewell speeches in 2006, as Andre Agassi did what his archrival Pete Sampras never could do by captivating the imagination and the emotions of the New York faithful with his rousing, riveting and heartfelt speech.

After his final match, a loss to Germany’s Benjamin Becker, Agassi commandeered the mic on Arthur Ashe Stadium and thanked the fans by paying selfless tribute to them. “I will take you, and the memory of you, with me, for the rest of my life,” a tired, gasping Agassi told the screaming crowds he loved, with tears in his eyes.

into a frenzy— but Murray’s run to the 2012 US Open title was the one that got the monkey off the back of the Great Scot, and it will always be his first Grand Slam title. Murray certainly had to banish a few demons in the 22-point first-set tiebreaker of the final with defending champion Novak Djokovic, but once he took the opener, the

Athletes come and athletes go, but rarely does one come that is both as great and as human as Agassi was during his 21-year career. “You have pulled for me on the court and also in life,” Agassi said, as the crowd went bonkers. “You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments.”

Clijsters Comes Out of Retirement to Become First Wild Card Winner

2009

If you love tennis for the back story, for the emotion, for the heart and soul and for the element of surprise, then Kim Clijsters’ epic run to the 2009 US Open title was the perfect storm for you. Clijsters, who had made her return in Cincinnati in 2009 after a more than a two-year layoff in which she gave birth to her daughter Jada, won the US Open just a month after beginning her comeback. “I can’t believe this has happened, it’s still so surreal, that in my third tournament back I won my second Grand Slam,” Clijsters said to reporters after her remarkable run as the first wild card to ever win the tournament. “It’s a great feeling to have, but it’s confusing in a lot of ways that it happened so quickly. I just wanted to get back into the rhythm of playing tennis. I have to thank the USTA for giving me a wild card for coming here.”

“Mama Kim” would go on to win two more Grand Slams before retiring again to further expand her family in 2012, but her first month back will go down as one of the most amazing and gratifying comebacks that the game has ever seen.

supremely talented – but until that point unproven – Murray was off and running for his first career Slam title. Well, sort of in true Murray fashion he squandered a two-setsto-love lead before finally winning in five.

Murray Becomes First British Grand Slam Champion Since 1936

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Pro Staff 97

Federer’s Newest Weapon It’s about time! After almost a year of play with a mysterious blacked out frame, Roger Federer and Wilson have debuted the brand new Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph. Moving on from the 90 square inch racquet he made famous, Federer now has a bit more real estate at his disposal. With a larger sweet spot and a more open 16 by 19 string pattern, the RF 97 provides more power and spin potential on contact without sacrificing the classic Pro Staff feel.

Despite those enhancements, the racquet still has the characteristics of a traditional “player’s frame.” Narrow beams and a leather grip combine with a substantial 12.5 ounce strung weight to make this racquet one of the most stable on the market. Great for serve and volleying or pounding groundstrokes from the baseline, Federer’s stick is built to enhance the all-court game of an experienced player. Demo the Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph at Tennis Express!

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BARRICADE 8+ AN UPGRADED CLASSIC

By Matt Locke

Footwear is a key component to a sport that has as many quick movements and rapid changes of direction as tennis does. That’s why in tennis circles the name Barricade is synonymous with performance. This summer Adidas introduced the latest version of its iconic shoe, the Barricade 8+. A revision to the existing Barricade 8 as opposed to a completely new model, this shoe improves on several key areas while retaining all of the hallmarks of the Barricade line. Let’s take a closer look at how this latest version stacks up:

Fit/Comfort: There was no break-in period with

this shoe for me, as I found the fit of this shoe to be an improvement over the Barricade 8. The new seamless Kurim upper is more flexible than the previous model and was much more comfortable out of the box. The forefoot / toe box is slightly narrower, giving it a slightly more secure feel. This addressed the issue I had with the previous model where my toes would slide and jam into the end of the shoe on hard stops. The updated shoe also has a bit more padding around the ankle collar, keeping it from digging into ankles on lateral changes of direction.

Breathability: The new seamless Kurim upper mesh

offers an improvement in ventilation. While not as light and heavily ventilated as something like the Adidas CC Feather line, I had no issues with overheating. Most of my court hours in the shoe were in 95+ degree temperatures, and I never had that feeling of my feet being suffocated in the shoe. Another benefit to this upper for me was that it did not wrinkle up after repeated flexing like the Kevlar mesh on the previous version did. The new upper flexes much more naturally and allows the mesh base layer to dissipate heat from inside the shoe.

Performance/Durability: The shoe provided

excellent response and traction for getting around the court, and I had a great, locked-in feeling during every movement.

This model gained a bit of weight over the last version, but to me it felt more responsive and significantly less bulky.

The shoe seems to have a slimmer profile, and the AdiWear 6 outsole provides the same impressive durability that has been a hallmark of the Barricade line. After 20 hours of heavy use, the tread pattern still looked fairly new, whereas most of the other shoes I have worn would be balding in areas.

The Adidas Barricade 8+ is an impressive entry into the signature series of shoe. It improves on key fit and response characteristics of the previous model while still showcasing the well known high levels of support and durability the line is known for. High performance players and those seeking a durable and supportive shoe that can stand up to rigorous play would be well served to slip on a pair of Adidas Barricade 8+.

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The Stars of Summer

By Erik Gudris

Six players made some unexpected but welcome big noise during the hard court swing leading up to this years US Open.

venus williams

vasek pospisil

Agnieszka Radwanska

After battling health issues for several years, the seven-time Grand Slam champion is getting back on a winning track this season. That included her unexpected run to the Montreal final in her first appearance at the tournament.

To get there, she beat two top 10 players including world No. 1 Serena Williams in a highly anticipated meeting in the semifinals. That win over Serena was the first for Venus over her sister in five years and propelled her back inside the top 20.

“I’ve been having goals. Just kind of fell a little short,” Williams said on returning to the top 20. “But it’s always a goal in mind for myself and hopefully most tennis players. I would love to hit the top 16 and just keep going forward after that. Obviously, if I can continue this level of tennis, it will be something that can happen for me.”

While his fellow Canadian Milos Raonic is more well known, British Columbia’s Pospisil is quickly making a name for himself. First, he and Jack Sock won the Wimbledon men’s doubles title earlier in July.

Despite that success, Pospisil is eager to do well on the singles court, too.

He proved that by reaching his first ATP final in Washington, D.C., after beating France’s Richard Gasquet in a tough three-set semifinal. That set up a final against Raonic - the first all-Canadian final in ATP Tour history. Raonic won that day, but Pospisil looked only at the positives.

“It’s a positive week for me. I just had a great week for sure,” Pospisil said on his results in D.C. Look for Pospisil to be a threat in both singles and doubles in New York.

Poland’s No.1 wasn’t much talked about entering the Montreal event. But during a week that saw multiple seeded players exit early, Radwanska took advantage.

Using her unique game full of crafty spin, deep groundstrokes and welltimed serves, Radwanska defeated Venus Williams to win her first WTA title of the season and put her back on the short list of US Open contenders.

“Well, one of my biggest titles,” Radwanska said when asked where she ranked her Montreal title. “As you can see in the draw pretty much all top players. So very, very special title for me.”

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It’s not that I don’t believe I am there.

I completely believe I am there.

Svetlana Kuznetsova

David ferrer

Jo Wilfried Tsonga

After battling injuries and poor results, the likable Russian is back on the comeback trail this summer.

The two-time Grand Slam winner earned her first WTA title in four years in Washington, D.C. She backed that up later with a three set win over top 10 player Eugenie Bouchard of Canada in Cincinnati. Edging close to the top 20 herself, Kuznetsova is once again a darkhorse at the US Open, where she won a decade ago.

When asked if she could climb higher, Kuznetsova said, “On my level, I don’t think that I am not there. In my level of game I am there. I can beat the top 10 but it’s a matter of results. The year is very long and some moments and if one match would go my way it would change completely the whole year...

It’s not that I don’t believe I am there.

I completely believe I am there.”

The “beast” as he’s sometimes called is often thought of as a clay court specialist. But that is not the case for the Spanish star. Just look at his run to the Cincinnati final. In that match, he challenged eventual winner Roger Federer in a tough three-set match on a fast hard court.

Ferrer, who has won titles on all surfaces, proved again that when the “big four” exit early, he’s ready to step up and contend for the biggest titles.

“Yeah, of course I am with confidence.

I did quarterfinal in Toronto and final here playing well every day,” Ferrer said about his recent results. “Well, of course in US Open is going to be best of five sets and the balls and the conditions will be different. But I am happy with myself.”

Welcome back, Jo! That’s what many tennis fans said after Tsonga’s remarkable run to win Toronto, his biggest title since 2008. After a sub-par start to the season, Tsonga surprised everyone by beating four top 10 players during the week, including Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

With his Toronto title, Tsonga booked his spot back inside the top 10 and again is a dangerous foe for anyone at the US Open.

“I feel good. You know, I think for the moment, I don’t realize really what I achieved this week, but it’s a big achievement for me,” Tsonga said about his incredible run in Canada. “I played well all this week. I beat many good guys. You know, it’s a big achievement because I worked really hard to come back from my knee injury last year.”

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US OPEN

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BACK ON TRACK

The summer hard court swing proved fairly successful for Caroline Wozniacki, who reached the quarterfinals or better at three straight tournaments in Istanbul, Montreal and Cincinnati.

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SHOT SPOT

By Blair Henley

After a pro tennis match, there is often talk of first serve percentage or the speed of a particular serve, but rarely do you hear analysts evaluating a player’s proficiency as a returner. While the return may not have quite the visual flair of a well-executed service motion, it is just as important in the development of an effective tennis game – no matter what your level of play. Novak Djokovic is one of the rare players whose reaction times and athleticism have set him apart when facing the best servers in the game. Let’s take a look at what he does so well.

The First Move

As soon as he picks up the path of the ball, Djokovic rotates his upper body. Depending on the pace of the incoming serve, it may be the only preparation possible. Loading with his torso creates controlled pace as he makes contact.

Anticipation

While it’s difficult to tell from a still image, it’s a safe bet that Djokovtic is reading his opponent’s service motion and picking up the path of the ball from its contact point on the server’s strings.

Early identification gives him the time he needs to prepare.

Cutting off the Ball

Instead of operating parallel to the baseline, Djokovic cuts the ball off when possible. This is key in producing a return with significant pace. It also allows him to maintain an aggressive position on the court, setting him up well for his next shot.

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Steady Head

Djokovic maintains exceptional body control as he returns. His eyes are trained on the ball until contact, his head remaining steady. Staying calm until the point of contact allows him to time balls well, using his opponent’s pace to his advantage.

The Explosion

Whether you have plenty of time to prepare or find yourself hitting a reactionary return, the release of energy on contact is key to hitting an aggressive, effective ball. Even when he’s off balance, Djokovic is pushing up and out with his legs.

Split Step

Before he makes a move to his forehand or backhand side, Djokovic sets his weight, if only for a brief moment. That subtle split step gives him a neutral foundation from which to react to the ball, maintaining the balance he needs to create an ideal return.

Pick a Target

The best players always have a plan of attack, and Djokovic is no different. His technique on or before contact helps him create the desired result, whether he’s aiming for the sidelines or pushing the ball back deep up the middle.

Want more instruction on the return of serve?

Click the image to watch a detailed video that shows how just a few simple adjustments can help greatly improve your return game.

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LOOKING FOR No. 3

After a summer that saw her win her second Wimbledon title, Petra Kvitova has her sights set on proving that she can dominate the hard courts just as well as the grass.

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EYE ON THE PRIZE

Djokovic may have a lot going on with a recent marriage and a child on the way, but he’s out to prove that he can channel his focus into reclaiming the US Open title to cap off his summer.

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Releases US Open Collection

PREPPY MEETS PERFORMANCE Ralph Lauren has unveiled the official new 2014 uniforms for the US Open ballpersons, boasting a color palette of classic French navy with optic hits of yellow, red and green and sporty stripe details. Both boys and girls are outfitted in iconic polos made from “airflow” jersey, with ergonomic body seaming designed for maximum movement and breathability.

The rest of the Ralph Lauren US Open collection continues the sleek and sporty mix, with breathable, moisture-wicking performance fabrics and a cool palette of navy, black and white with neon lime, sapphire blue and “blaze orange.”

An expanded selection of accessories includes stretch visors, mesh hats and logo wristbands. Balancing a modern edge with the brand’s preppy DNA, both male and female chair umpires are outfitted in a chic navy cardigan with contrasting stripes at the arm.

The Ralph Lauren US Open collection is available on-site at the US Open Ralph Lauren Shop for the duration of the tournament. It will also be available at select Ralph Lauren stores, department stores and online at RalphLauren.com.

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In just over two weeks’ time, the big question remains as to whether the next owner of this US Open trophy will be a new face or a repeat champion.

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