Georgia Power
The state of Georgia is slowly replacing Florida as the haven for training tennis prodigies. Of the 17 Americans who played singles yesterday, eight hail from Georgia or are now training in the Peachtree State. The contingent includes Robby Ginepri, Victoria Duval, Donald Young, Melanie Oudin, Jamie Hampton, Bobby Reynolds, Samantha Crawford and Mallory Burdette.
Russian Dressing
Maria Sharapova lit up the Ashe Stadium at dusk in the last day afternoon match as the 6-foot-2 third-seeded Russian breezed past Melinda Czink 6-2, 6-2, in a very short, muted-pink Nike tennis dress with a gray pattern across the middle (see left). Sharapova has a new candy out called “Sugarpova.’’ How sweet it is.
Upset of the day
Qualifier Kristyna Pliskova, ranked 126th in the world, pulled the biggest shocker, defeating No. 18 seed Julia Goerges, 7-6 (4), 6-1.
It was the 20-year-old Czech’s second career Grand Slam victory.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
‘They’re here just to see that match. They may also be here just for a night of enjoying cocktails, so they have more energy and are pretty rowdy. You have to give them your best. They will get on you if you’re not.’
TODAY’S FEATURED MATCHES
Arthur Ashe Stadium, afternoon
Andy Roddick (20) vs. Rhyne Williams
Venus Williams vs. Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Louis Armstrong Stadium, afternoon
Francesca Schiavone (22) vs. Sloane Stephens
Grandstand, after 3:30 p.m.
Christina McHale (21) vs. Kiki Bertens
Arthur Ashe Stadium, 7 p.m.
Novak Djokovic (2) vs. Paolo Lorenzi
Serena Williams (4) vs. CoCo Vandeweghe
TODAY’S TV SCHEDULE
Tennis Channel, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
ESPN2, 1-11 p.m.