The top seeds from the bottom half of the draw all won their opening matches on Monday at the US Open.
Their counterparts from the top half of the draw, led by world number one Dinara Safina, will attempt to follow them into the second round on Tuesday.
1. A Mom on a Mission
Kim Clijsters kicked off her US Open title pursuit in dominating form on Monday. The 2005 champion cruised past her first round opponent Viktoriya Kutuzova in straight sets 6-1, 6-1.
2. Shoes of Her Own
US Fed Cup star Melanie Oudin will hit the courts of Flushing Meadows with a trendy new pair of shoes, courtesy of adidas.
Oudin, who helped Team USA beat Argentina in February, will debut a one-of-a-kind Barricade V that she personally designed through miadidas.com. The inscription of ‘believe’ on the side of the shoe brings to life her motivation to succeed among the competition.
3. Tuesday’s Upset Alert
Who is the most vulnerable top player in the women’s draw? Right now, it looks like Ana Ivanovic.
Ivanovic has had a disastrous summer and since Wimbledon, she has lost her second match at three consecutive tournaments. She will play her opening US Open match against Kateryna Bondarenko, who is fresh off a big run in Toronto which included a win over Venus Williams.
4. Anne Handicaps the Draw
Britain’s number one star Anne Keothavong is on the sidelines of the US Open because of a knee injury, but she is still a part of the action.
Keothavong, who will return next year, is guest blogging for Tennis Head and tapped Serena as the player to watch for the title.
5. Win a Chance to Serve for a Million
Do you want a shot at winning a million dollars? Buy a new tennis racket—of any brand, and at any tennis retailer or pro shop—from July 15 through Sept. 30, 2009. Then register your purchase at playtennis.com/million to be eligible to win.
6. The Knee’s the Thing
Venus Williams was her typical coy self on Monday after nearly losing in the first round to Vera Dushevina. Williams, the third seed, stopped play in the opening set for a lengthy left knee evaluation and taping, but afterward said, “I don’t really talk about my injuries historically, and I’m not going to start now.”
7. Caroline Wozniacki and Shahar Peer Team Up with American Express
American Express has partnered with the 2009 US Open to provide not only the Official US Open iPhone application, but also a virtual gaming “Challenge a Pro” and “Rally Experience” with tennis pros Shahar Peer and Caroline Wozniacki. American Express is also bringing back Radio Live at the US Open, a fan favorite, as an exciting benefit for Cardmembers throughout the tournament.
8. Official Live Streaming on USOpen.org
The US Open is offering the most extensive live streaming in the history of the event through its new “US Open Live” product, airing all matches within the ESPN and Tennis Channel broadcast television windows in high definition. Streaming up to five matches simultaneously,”US Open Live” will make more than 150 matches available free within the United States. To access US Open Live, visit www.usopen.org and click on the Watch Live link.
9. Tweeters to Follow
Stuck at work during most of the afternoon’s play? Don’t worry—you can still keep up with all the action using Twitter! Check out the US Open’s official Twitter page at @usopen and of course, don’t forget to follow On the Baseline’s live tweets at @onthebaseline!
10. Tuesday’s Matches of the Day
Keep your eyes open for a host of Russians on Tuesday. World No. 1 Dinara Safina heads out on court for the first time against Olivia Rogowska, 2004 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova takes on Julia Goerges, while 2006 winner Maria Sharapova is scheduled to face Tsvetana Pironkova in the night session.
On the Baseline’s live coverage of the 2009 US Open is brought to you by Grand Slam Tennis Tours.
