KIICK IN THE PANTS
Alexandra Kiick, daughter of former Miami Dolphins fullback Jim Kiick, won her first-round match in the U.S. Junior Open. But her famous father wasn’t there for her 7-5, 6-1 victory over Veronika Kudermetova. Sources say because Kiick’s father is so excitable when she plays, it’s best if he doesn’t attend most of her matches. The 17-year-old is ranked 392nd in the world and her coach is former pro Harold Solomon. Jim Kiick, who is from New Jersey and living in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., played for Boonton High School and grew up in Lincoln Park. He played on the unbeaten 1972 Dolphins team in the backfield with Larry Csonka.
ROOFING IT
Gordon Smith, USTA’s CEO, continued to claim a roof will enclose Arthur Ashe Stadium one day. With schedules disrupted the last 48 hours because of rain, Smith told the Tennis Channel, “We’re trying to get to that roof design and we will.’’ On the eve of the Open, Smith met with reporters to guarantee a roof will be erected but would not guess when. Smith also reiterated next year the men will have one day off between the semifinals and finals, which could eliminate the Super Saturday concept or put the men’s final on Monday. Despite the recent rain, the men’s final is still on tap for Sunday.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
‘Quarterfinal with your best friend, of course, is difficult. We know each other very well. We played together many times. So it was also strange to see her on the other side of the net.’
— Sara Errani after beating fellow Italian and doubles partner Roberta Vinci in the quarterfinals
TODAY’S FEATURED MATCHES
Arthur Ashe Stadium, not before 1:30 p.m.
Janko Tipsarevic (8) vs. David Ferrer (4)
Arthur Ashe Stadium, 7 p.m.
John McEnroe/Adam Sandler vs.
Jim Courier/Kevin James (exhibition)
Juan Martin del Potro (7) vs. Novak Djokovic (2)
TODAY’S TV SCHEDULE
Tennis Channel, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.;
ESPN2, noon — 6 p.m.; 7 p.m — 11 p.m.