Maria Sharapova’s much anticipated return was perhaps one of the more exciting aspects the opening day to this year’s US Open.
As August comes to an end, we’re reminded that school bells will be ringing again soon, those winter ales you like so much will be coming back, and winter coats will slowly begin crawling out of those deep, dark crevices in the back of your closet. The seasons begin to change and temperatures dwindle down. The food becomes heartier and the drinks stronger. There’s lots to look forward to in the coming Fall, but to a great deal of people, there’s only one thing that’s one their mind–the US Open.
Kicking off to a rapturous crowd of tennis enthusiasts, the US Open’s first day proved to be fun-filled extravaganza. From the bevy of vendors like Korilla BBQ and Neapolitan Express to the family friendly fan zones and personable tennis stars, The US Open pulled all the stops to make Corona Park a tennis mecca. With impeccable organization and what seems to be a small army’s worth of volunteers and attendents, the US Open outdid itself in creating a wondrous environment for sports fans of all kind. Whether it was the seemingly never ending activities for fans to partake in or the headache-free movement to and from Arthur Ashe Stadium, sponsors like American Express ensured that this would be one of the best US Opens in years.
To welcome fans and attendees alike, American Express created a Fan Experience zone within the Chase Center at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, that had everything from Wii-inspired video games to fan courts. Coupled with the stylish lounge area and bar, the Fan Experience area was, funnily enough, one of the highlights of the event. That is, before we ventured on down to the arena to check out some tennis first hand. Kicking off the tournament was a match between the Muguruza (Spain) and Lepchenko U.S.). Lepchenko seemed to stand no chance against Muguruza who easily vanquished her foe with a resounding 6-0 set followed by another blister 6-3 set.
Later on in the day was perhaps one of the more heated matches between Croatian Marin Cilic, who narrowly beat American Tennys Sandgren. What began as a near domination by the Croat–having won the first two sets easily with a 6-4 and 6-3 score–was soon upended by the vociferously determined Sandgren, who fought back arduously to win his own set. Alas, Sandgren’s seeming comeback was soon deflated when Cilic rallied himself to win the set, and thus the match.
But what ended up being the talk of the town was the much discussed return of Maria Sharapova, who was making her first major tournament appearance since her doping ban. While many imagined that she would have a tough time competing against the World No. 2 Romanian Simona Halep, nothing was further from the truth as Sharapova kept a resounding dominance over the game as she screamed, lunged, and struck her way back into the good graces of tennis fans around the world. With a cool disposition and a fiery athleticism, Sharapova fought her way to a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over the Romanian favorite.
While the first day held a great deal of excitement, fun, and intrigue, this is only the beginning to a wondrous tournament that is sure to keep tennis and sports fans alike waiting with bated breath. To learn more about schedules, scores, and updates, head on over the the US Open’s website.
