More US Open Blogs: Victoria Azarenka l James LaRosa l Steve Flink

Tuesday, Aug. 28th, 5:15pm
So it's Tuesday late afternoon and I have just gotten back from a long day. This morning I participated in a tennis clinic for a couple of hours and then went to hit over at the courts for about an hour - just getting ready for my match for tomorrow.

All is well so far in NYC - let me fill you in on my last couple of days...

Although I am sure you all love to hear about the tennis part of my life, the social part is somewhat entertaining as well! I have a tradition with James [Blake] and some of the other guys that whoever wins a tournament has to take the other person and his entourage out for a nice meal. So since James won the title in New Haven, he owed me one! Those who know me well sure can already guess what restaurant I chose - yes, Mr. Chow, my fav.  So about nine of us went to dinner at Mr. Chow on James' dime - it was great! I figure that even if i don't win a tourney, at least I still get something good out of it!

Yesterday, Monday, was a pretty mellow day, I hit in the morning for an hour, grabbed some lunch at the courts and then came back to the hotel and hung out and watched some tennis. I was kinda waiting around to see what the schedule was going to be because I was unsure as to whether I was going to play on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Things kinda change depending on when you play - you have to set up a practice court depending on what time your match is, gotta eat a healthy, high-energy meal the night before, get to bed early, and so on. But I was pleased to find out that I was not going to play until Wednesday. I had had a tough, but great, week in New Haven and my body could definitely use an extra days rest. So last night my girlfriend and I went to dinner at Les Halles, another one of my favorite restaurants here - and of course I had the filet de bouf - I mean, what else does one order there???!!! Then we walked back to the hotel about 20 blocks as the weather has been great here so it was nice to be outside. I tried to get to bed somewhat early - after all, this is basically the biggest tournament of the year so I gotta stay in my game mode!
 
My body is feeling good and ready to get out there and battle. I'm still waiting to hear what time I play tomorrow but regardless, I will be on my A game!

More to come from NYC...

-Mardy


Sunday, Aug. 26th, 11:30pm
First of all, I would like to thank everyone for reading my blog this week. I am excited to share a little taste of what life is like for a player during the US Open.

I had a great week at the Pilot Pen, where I made the finals of the tournament in New Haven. I love playing that tournament. The fans have always welcomed me, and the tournament is just run so smoothly. I haven't won too many matches this summer before New Haven because I have been battling injuries, but after last week, I feel like I am playing the best tennis I have played in a while. I beat a lot of good players, and had to overcome some tough obstacles on the way to the final. Once in the finals though, I had to play my best friend on tour - James Blake. He got the best of me last night, but I am sure we will have many more exciting matches to come. James is a difficult player to beat wherever he is playing, but playing in front of his home crowd makes him an even tougher opponent.

My lovely girlfriend came towards the end of the tournament. I had not seen her for a few weeks so it was nice to have her around. Some people think its a distraction to have your girlfriend travel with you, but I feel like I do much better when Stacey is around. Its just nice to have someone with me that I know is there for me no matter how I do.

On a different note, I hired a trainer right before Wimbledon, and I feel like the hard work that Rory and I have put in is finally paying off. I have had to battle through several injuries throughout the past few months, and with the help of Rory, I finally feel like I am healthy.

The US Open is probably the biggest tournament of the year for me, and I can't wait to get out on the court. It is just an electric feeling playing in your country's championships. The crowd, and the atmosphere on the grounds of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center is something that I can't even begin to explain.

Well, there are many more blogs to come. Hopefully I can make a good run in New York this year.

-Mardy