Gary Archibald, Weathercaster

OK. This was a very easy assignment. I love sports in general – with tennis right up there on the list in addition my first television reporter gig was reporting junior hockey in Canada for a national network some ten years ago So, I was ready and anxiously anticipating one of the greatest tournaments in the world of sport, first officially held in 1881. I was off to the 2007 U.S. Open in Flushing N.Y.!

A little background history about this Grand Slam event:

The United States Open tennis tournament, commonly referred to as the US Open, is the fourth and final event of the Grand Slam tennis tournaments (the others are the Australian Open, The French Open, and Wimbledon). It is held annually in August and September over a two-week period (the weeks prior to and following Labor Day weekend). The main tournament consists of five championships: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles, with additional tournaments for senior, junior, and wheelchair players. Since 1978, the tournament has been played on acrylic hard court at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in the Queens borough of New York City. The complex was renamed after King during the 2006 US Open. King is a pioneer in women's tennis and the founder of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), the Women's Sports Foundation and World Team Tennis (WTT), which she founded with her former husband, Larry King. (Source: Wikipedia)

SLIDESHOW: At The 2007 U.S. Open

U.S. Open, the Stadium and court view.

I was fortunate to have watched matches on Thursday and Friday (September 6th and 7th). On the men’s side, Thursday evening – under lovely conditions I might add (78 F, light winds out of the NW, low humidity values an easy and accommodating weather forecast...my job was done) – I took in the Carlos Moya vs. Novak Djokovic match. The veteran Moya – a clay-court specialist but all-around solid player was in touch against the rising superstar Djokovic – he’s only 20-years old by the way!! The youngster commands the attention of his opponent and the audience. Solid and powerful ground strokes combined with a powerful serve kept Moya on the run for most of the match – but the veteran can hold his own on the world stage with precise shot making and excellent speed and range to get balls most would have no such luck.

Final score:
Djokovic defeated Moya 6-4, 7-6, 6-1

Earlier in the day I was, as I usually do, taking pictures of the grounds and the people at this grand tennis facility. Arthur Ashe Stadium, on of my childhood heroes- is indeed impressive. The centerpiece of the 2-week extravaganza of the world’s best tennis on hard courts is a testament to the highest level of athletic skill, professionalism, and dedication to this world sport – by all who are involved and love tennis. The USTA (The United States Tennis Association really does know how to put on a world-class event, worthy of the stature that is the Grand Slam circuit. I might add, our very own NBC broadcast coverage throughout the tourney has been rock solid, as per the norm.

Next up – the women’s semi-final match between the world’s number one women’s tennis player Justine Henin and former U.S. Open champion, American Venus Williams. This was a brilliant contest between two of the world’s best, with all of the power, speed, shot-making and breath-taking moments you would expect from two greats. Once again, the weather was not a factor – it was 86 F with clear skies and loads of sunshine overhead. It was a touch warm, but otherwise picture perfect.

Final score:
Henin defeated V. Williams 7-6, 6-4

Congratulations to Justine to Henin who eventually won the women’s title defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 6-3 on Championship Saturday September 8th.

Last but not least I was able to attend a meet-and-greet photo-op and autograph signing session with my favorite women’s tennis star of all-time – the magnificent, legendary, classy Chris Evert. A dream come true I have no other words except – that was wonderful.

Legendary tennis superstar – multiple Grand Slam champion Chris Evert and me! U.S. Open 2007. Thanks for the Photo-op and autograph Chris!! - (Courtesy of the USTA and Chris Evert).

Please take a look at the photos I took on the grounds, during the matches et al I love the globe and the fountain on the grounds. Tell me what you think and thanks in advance!

And, in parting I would like to thank the organizers, officials, and staff of the 2007 U.S. Open for operating such a successful tourney – and to the players for providing us with the enjoyment of bearing witness to your great craft, skill, in short – gifts on the court.

My best to you all

- Gary Archibald