My favourite September tournament is back – the US Open! This Grand Slam event is known for its long night matches and loud crowd. But, like most sports, there are now zero fans in the stands and strict protocols in place. Players don’t shake hands at the net – they instead tap rackets – and don masks as soon as their game is over.
Despite the somewhat subdued atmosphere, this year’s US Open is proving to be very successful for the Canadian mens’ side (unfortunately, defending women’s Champion, Bianca Andreescu, is out with injury.) Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Denis Shapovalov all made it to the 2nd round – the first time four Canadian men had ever done so at a Grand Slam. Unfortunately, Milos and Vasek had to play each other in a Canadian duel, with the 94th-seeded Vasek proving that “everything is Pospisil” by defeating the 5th-seeded Milos in a surprising victory.
Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime are two of tennis’ up-and-coming stars. Both play very dynamic tennis that is shaped by a whole lot of hustle, impressive forehands, and sizzling serves. Pospisil, on the other hand, has been around for some time, and has seen more success as a doubles player. He’s a local boy from Vernon, BC who I feel often gets left in the media wake of his fellow countrymen, despite being the only one to have won a Grand Slam with his doubles title win at Wimbledon! I couldn’t be happier to see him strike singles gold.
So, if you’re too disappointed by the Canucks to continue watching playoff hockey, I definitely recommend giving the US Open a try, as it enters the Round of 16, and builds towards the finals next weekend.
Who are you backing to win?
