Traveled an hour via subway to the Arthur Ashe Stadium all the way in Flushing, Queens just to watch the match. The crowds were massive! And so were the grounds. As a non tennis fan, I struggle to understand why people would travel across states and continents to watch the match live (when you can get a great view on TV!). Nonetheless, I would commend their enthusiasm for a sport that honestly looks like a rich people's game haha.
In usual american sporting culture, we grabbed a set of burger and fries (went without the sugar laden Cola) and plonked ourselves into the allocated seats as the match began. It was clear soon after the first ball was served that about 95% of the stadium were William supporters, cheering when she scored and muttering when she took a miss (poor Sands!). We were told that Williams would thrash her opponent and the match would be over in no time, but no way was that happening, with Sands victoriously winning the first set. I was like eh! She is supposed to be winning leh! And we sat through another 2 sets where Williams came back with a vengeance, willing 2-1 (I'm sure all that shouting on court scares her opponents).
Up next was Nadal (leftie!) whom I was told is famous for pulling out wedgies unashamedly haha. It was a glorious win for the first two sets but...then downhill from there. Can't believe he lost! But I guess all is fair in love and tennis, so till the next game!
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| S. Williams playing M. Sands |
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| Random NYPD barrier on the grounds |
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| Rafael Nadal as the overexposed speck in the background ;p |