Aces & Faults from the U.S. Open

Aces

& FaultsACE. Andy Roddick's sly reference to Roger Federer as "the world's most interesting man."

FAULT. There has been quite a bit of fan grumbling about the tight quarters at the primary practice courts, preventing most spectators from getting a glimpse of the stars' workouts.

SERVICE WINNER. U.S. Tennis Association officials, as part of a $500-million improvement of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, plan to erect a two-level viewing deck overlooking eight practice courts. But that is at least a couple of years in the future.

ACE. The on-site "fan experience" where kids can hit both real and virtual (video) tennis balls. Another element causing more than one spectator to equate the U.S. Open to Disney World.

By the

Numbers2 Match points saved by eventual champion Novak Djokovic in last year's semifinal against Federer, making him the first man since Roddick (against David Nalbandian in the 2003 semis) to win the title after saving a match point.

$210,000

The winning share for each member of the championship men's and women's doubles teams. That's $1,690,000 less than each singles champion will get.

Billion

Raindrops (at least) interrupting play.

Furthermore ...John Isner, Sam Querrey and the doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan yesterday were named to the U.S. Davis Cup team that will play Spain, Sept. 14-16, in Gijon, Spain, on clay. The Spanish team will consist of David Ferrer, Nicolas Almagro, Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez.