Michelle Obama has a hit at Flushing Meadows
Friday in New York
The First Lady comes to town
Michelle Obama visited the US Open yesterday, and unsurprisingly, went down an absolute treat. The First Lady started off with some serves of her own during an on court clinic, part of her campaign against childhood obesity called 'Let's Move'. She made Serena giggle, she hit with Johnny Mac, she chatted to Billie Jean King, she even watched Andy Murray.
Check out Sports Illustrated's superb snaps of Mrs O in action.
Murray makes it four in a row
Andy Murray was at times sublime, at times surprising against John Isner, but most importantly, he got the job done to reach his fourth Grand Slam semi this year. The first two sets were superb, the third not so much, the fourth nail-chewing, but it was a telling performance from the world No 4. He's amped.
The key to the first two sets, as ever, was his first serve percentage – above the 70% mark. And his low unforced error count. Both these numbers were more negative for sets 3 and 4, so there is obviously work to be done.
Credit to Isner though. From looking almost like he was going to pass out (or maybe that's how he always looks) at the end of the second, he found some energy from somewhere, and showed once and for all that he is far from one dimensional. Some of his stretch volleys were a treat.
If you missed it, we live-blogged it, so have a little reverse re-cap if you feel so inclined.
Rafa's back
Foot injury, sickness, cramp, temper tantrums, revolt-planning…Rafael Nadal has had it all this US Open, but last night he showed that underneath it all, he's still the same old Nadal. He absolutely blitzed Andy Roddick in their quarter-final, romping home in three sets, and looking much more like the man who won this title a year ago. Watch out Muzza.
Three out of four
Britain started the boys' singles competition with four boys in the draw. It's semi-final stage now, and guess what? Three of the four are Brits. George Morgan plays Oliver Golding, guaranteeing one British finalist for the first time since Andy Murray won the title in 2005. And Kyle Edmund takes on top seed Jiri Vesely. Coming after Liam Broady's appearance in the junior Wimbledon final, it's pretty heartening. Good luck to them all.
Melanie Oudin, Grand Slam champion
Yes, you did read that correctly. America's former golden girl, who 'believe-ed' her way to stardom here in New York two years ago, has since been unable to hit a ball in the court. But she and Jack Sock, fellow star of the future, won the mixed doubles title last night. Amazing.
Soundbite
If there was any doubt that Andy Roddick gives a good quote…
Q. “Just talk about playing on a small court. Do you just feel your juices more intensely, feel more into the match …”
ANDY RODDICK: “I try not to feel my juices ever, Bill. But I appreciate your interest in them.”
Q. “That’s all I think about.”
ANDY RODDICK: “Thank you. Creepy and inappropriate.”
More court troubles
On Thursday it was Armstrong, yesterday it was Grandstand. The cracks keep appearing (literally) in the Flushing Meadows infrastructure. With Armstrong completely out of commission, there were reports of the same 'water seepage' occurring on the US Open's third stadium court. Not good at all.
Get well to…
Robin Soderling. The Swede has glandular fever. Horrible.
Coming up this evening
Roger Federer v Novak Djokovic (12 noon, 5pm UK)
Roger Federer was the man to break Novak Djokovic's winning streak with possibly one of the best clay court performances of his life in the semi-finals of Roland Garros, winning 7-6(5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5), so if there is anyone that knows how to expose a chink in Djokovic's seemingly invincible aura, it's Federer. He's played his way superbly into form, and has dropped just the one set all tournament. Will it be enough though?
Andy Murray v Rafael Nadal (not before 2.30pm, 7.30pm UK)
Andy Murray became only the seventh player in the Open era to reach all four grand slam semi-finals in a calendar year, and in so doing, he's handed himself a third consecutive clash with Rafael Nadal. Don't forget, of course, that it was in exactly this position three years ago that the Scot showed what he was capable of, beating the Spaniard for the very first time. Murray and Nadal are different players now, but that knowledge will certainly mean something to Murray.
Angelique Kerber v Sam Stosur (6pm, 11pm UK)
Very much the odd one out, world No 93 Kerber takes on ninth seed Stosur in the semi-final no one would ever have dreamed could happen. It's Sam's to win. But then, so was the French Open in 2010.
Serena Williams v Caroline Wozniacki (8pm, 1am UK)
The match that everyone has been waiting to see. The best player in women's tennis against the world No 1. And no, they're not the same person. Wozniacki will have to play the match of her life to soak up Serena's power and versatility, but maybe this is her moment to do it. Maybe it's what she's been waiting for. Serena's consistency, or lack thereof, will be key.
Predictions?
If I say something will happen, invariably the opposite does, hence why I'm terrified of making predictions about anything. So I'm dividing my punts on the two finals into head and heart:
Head says: Federer v Nadal, Serena v Stosur
Heart says: Djokovic v Murray, Serena v Stosur
Agree, disagree, on the fence? Comment below…
The daily click
Just how good was Rafa? Take a look…
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