THAT’S THE NOVAK WE KNOW AND LOVE: What a difference a year makes. In ’08, he was jeered by the New York crowd after taking down Andy Roddick. But on Monday night, Novak Djokovic was back in favor when he engaged in an impromptu midnight hit with John McEnroe in Ashe Stadium, which brought back memories of his famed impersonations of ‘07. “It wasn’t easy playing in jeans and suit and collared shirt,” said the Serb of Johnny Mac, who came down directly from the broadcast booth to take the court. (Kudos to Darren Cahill, who made it all happen. A priceless moment.)
USTA PREZ ON MELANIE OUDIN: USTA President Lucy Garvin — a veteran volunteer who knows a thing or two about emerging from the pack — first spotted little Melanie Oudin at a junior match at Clemson. She was impressed. Now Garvin says Oudin, a fellow Southerner, is nothing short of an inspiration, particularly for the eager young girls at Ashe Stadium who strained to follow the suddenly sparkling teen. Then again, juniors all across the country were telling themselves, “I can do that, too.”
Garvin believes in Arthur Ashe‘s contention that “the best player development program is a healthy professional game.” Garvin noted, “If you become fascinated with a sport on a professional level, you’re more likely to go out and try to play it.”
On court, Garvin contended, Oudin is quite the fighter.
“Still, her special quality off the court is her humility.”
Garvin is more than pleased with the response to Oudin’s success from around the world (even from Russians), the Open’s record-setting attendance, its great TV ratings and hefty merchandising.
So it’s hardly surprising that the USTA Chief Executive Officer was smiling. “I just think Oudin is wonderful for inspiring our great game.
A BUMPY FIRST: The Bryan Bros. are known for their intra-team celebratory chest bumps. But heads turned on Sunday when the Californians chest-bumped their opponents — Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Olivier Rochus. Said Bob, “Definitely a first.”
PHOTO FINISH: A melee broke out among the photographers during a photo shoot with Melanie Oudin in Times Square.
CURIOUS QUESTION: “Did you draft Matthew Stafford into your Fantasy team?” — A reporter to John Isner.
BEST NEW SOUND: Melanie Oudin‘s pump-it-up “C’mon!” scream.
I LOVE IT WHEN YOU CALL ME SHORT AND CHUBBY: Reminded that Melanie Oudin had just beaten three tall Russians at the U.S. Open, Nadia Petrova said, “Well, now she gets hopefully a short and a little chubby Russian (Svetlana Kuznetsova). See how she’s going to handle that.” Of course, Kuznetsova lost, and Oudin will now face Caroline Wozniacki.
THE NUMBERS
47: Minutes it took for Kateryna Bondarenko to blank Gisela Dulko 6-0, 6-0 in the fourth round. Said the Ukrainian, “Good score.” Yeah, you could say that.
2: Double bagels thus far at the USO.
21: Bagels (6-0 sets) handed out in the women’s draw heading into Monday’s play.
21: Bagels handed out in the men’s draw heading into Monday’s play.
17-4: Melanie Oudin‘s record in three-setters in ’09.
23: Russians — men and women — in the draw at the start of the U.S. Open.
0: Russians remaining in either draw.
0: Americans left in the U.S. Open men’s draw for the first time EVER.
HEADLINES
Kim Possible
Whoa, Momma!
Oh, Baby, Clijsters Can Win This Thing
QUOTEBOOK
“You can find Italian people everywhere.” — Flavia Pennetta
“I don’t want to talk about injuries. Sorry. No, no, I am a little bit tired to talk about injuries.” — Rafael Nadal, who is now battling both knee and abdominal issues
“Thank God nobody is judging me on it, but I’m trying hard. I’m trying to be good at it. I guess women are always going to be better at that stuff.” — Roger Federer on his diaper-changing skills
