Leylah Fernandez (l.) and Emma Raducanu at trophy ceremony
(Tennis Canada))
The last grand slam tennis tournament for 2021 is in the history books, my friends, and I have to say I loved it! The US Open brings the grand slam season to an end for this year, but the best of the best was saved for last according to my most reliable sources: Pretty and me.
Fernandez and Raducanu introduced themselves to the tennis world’s grandest stage in New York City with the effervescent smiles of their teenage years, but they brought mature tennis games filled with passionate desires to win along with that youth. Wow. What an inspirational duo. I have high hopes for the sport as well as the next generation of young women swinging rackets at barriers of national origin, race, gender and yes, my old nemesis sexual orientation.
Pretty gives US Open two thumbs up in 2021
Granddaughter Ella James was lost in thought as she studied the earth walking barefoot at DX2’s gorgeous place in the upstate at the lake – faithful dog Carl stood guard.
The hype, the drama of Novak Djokovic’s quest for a calendar grand slam died a painful death in the final to Daniil Medvedev who at age 25 is ranked #2 in the world in men’s singles. The New York crowd, on the other hand, roared its support for Djokovic in the final – often at inappropriate moments. Even though he lost the trophy in straight sets, Djokovic said in the presentation ceremony he was the happiest man in the world because the crowd had touched his heart. Perhaps, at last, this man’s search for love from the New York fans transformed his pain at losing the historic opportunity of winning the calendar grand slam.
(AP Photo)
Novak Djokovic at trophy ceremony
No Williams Sisters, no Federer, no Nadal at this year’s US Open – I have thought of them often during the two weeks tournament. Twenty years of spectacular entertainment from these players who could bring me to tears of joy with their amazing victories or tears of sorrow in their defeats. One more match, one more tournament is what I wish for from these greats. But if they are done, thank you for your service – the future rests in a new generation of players who were inspired by your greatness.
Pretty and I give you all and the future two thumbs up.
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Stay safe, stay sane, please get vaccinated and please stay tuned.
I'll Call It Like I See It 