The US Open Series promises a summer steeped in drama, as the game’s greats pursue a major-league payoff. Many different personalities, one common goal: to reach the US Open with a shot at $2 million. As part of a nationwide campaign to help familiarize fans with the cast of characters taking part in this summer blockbuster, the USTA has created some fun nicknames for tennis’ top stars. Here’s a quick look at some of those who figure as favorites in this exciting new season of US Open Series play:
Serena Williams
THE LOWDOWN: With a love of the big stage and all that comes with it, “The Diva” steals the spotlight wherever she goes… Equally capable of making a statement with forehand or fashion… Two-time US Open champ may make the US Open Series her own personal runway… $2 million buys a lot of boots.
Justine Henin-Hardenne
THE LOWDOWN: Sidelined for the majority of ’04, the Belgian still won five of the nine events she entered, including the Aussie Open and the Olympics… This past spring, she earned three straight titles... The ’03 US Open champ is always a hard-court force… “The Comeback Kid” earned her moniker with a gutsy three-hour comeback win over Jennifer Capriati in the ’03 US Open semis… Never count her out.
Roger Federer
THE LOWDOWN: Simply the best player in the game, “The Boss” is quickly building a Hall-of-Fame résumé… Federer, 23, assumed his top spot in the game with a 2004 record of 74-6, including the US Open... He won back-to-back hard-court events this spring… Not the sort of boss to delegate, expect him to carry the most impressive workload of the US Open Series.
Lindsay Davenport
THE LOWDOWN: The winner of last year’s inaugural US Open Series, “Top Gun” went supersonic last summer and hasn’t slowed down since… Davenport owns all the weapons: big serve, tough volleys, a lethal ground game… Once launched, the ’98 US Open champ can fly for a long time… No. 1 with a bullet.
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