The United States Open

Roger Federer, the best to ever carry a racquet, has done it again. I know I keep harping at this but believe me - Roger is he best tennis player of all time and if you haven't agreed with me since I put that out 2 years ago, perhaps you will begin to agree now that he is within 5 Grand Slams of Pete and will likely pass him within the next 3 years. He put on a great show, winning as easily as Tiger and clearly setting himself in a world which other pros have never ventured. It was an interesting US Open, but the final was never in doubt, and the 2 best players in the world walked away with the trophy (and a ton of cash)

Maria Sharapova could become as dominating as Roger in women's tennis if she decides that she is going to venture to the net. With most women playing 5 feet behind the baseline, the sight of a 6'3' woman who can volley at the net will be very imposing and at 19 years of age, she can only get better. She beat Henin-Hardenne, (who has endured my wrath all year) and I couldn't be any happier. At least Justine didn't use the injury card and was actually quite gracious in admitting that the best player won on Saturday night. Justine came out smoking and I thought it would be a tough battle (and it was) but that little half volley in the first set really changed the way the match went. An entertaining match, this was good for women's tennis, which needs a boost, given the way the tour players continue to shoot themselves in the foot.

And last, but not least, goodbye to Andre. He was a great friend of tennis and one cannot help but admire the evolution of the man who went from brat to gentleman and brought class to the sport both on and off the court. Here's hoping he sticks around in some capacity, because tennis is on the rise again and we need his charisma to keep it going.