US Open 2003

I am planing to begin adding Grand Slam tournaments of the XXI Century in the second half of 2013, but this year will be two exceptions of 2003, namely US Open and Roland Garros, as a part of farewell of Andy Roddick & Juan Carlos Ferrero, two former Nos. 1, each had won his only major title nine years ago, both went into retirement this season. I’m going to implement a different look for years 2000-10  than I’ve done it for 1980-99 –  bigger font and colorful pictures.
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Changing of the guard in American tennis: a defending champion – Pete Sampras, 14-time Grand Slam winner, officially announced his retirement on day one (2000 champion Marat Safin withdrew too), the following day joined him other American player of the “golden generation” – Michael Chang. It opened the gate for much more younger Americans to get into the biggest courts at Flushing Meadow drawing attention of fans. It was a great opportunity especially for 21-year-old Andy Roddick, who had won 3 out of 4 tournaments on American hardcourts before the US Open ’03, which established him as a main favorite. He was on fire, with a little help of officials, spectators and pure luck captured his only major title beating Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final. For the Spaniard it’s also memorable tournament because he reached No. 1 in the world advancing to that final. Read more…