US Open 2011: Quotes of the tournament so far
Some memorable words from the players during the opening stages of the US Open at Flushing Meadows
The US Open of 2011 began with a hurricane””well almost””and will end on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11: dramatic bookends at either end of the biggest annual sports event in the world.
This is the Grand Slam that always manages to hit the headlines, never does anything by halves, creates stories that will abide for years to come.
It is the Slam that every player seems to enjoy in the city where everyone wants to be: It must be love.
Here, then, are some words from the people who put the pizzazz into the whole affair ““ the players.
Roger Federer, in his own words
Asked, even if he’s playing the night session with lights and noise, why he is so successful: “Why am I successful? I guess because I’m a pretty good player.”
Heather Watson, in her own words
Asked whether it was hard to concentrate on her shots when her opponent [Sharapova] was screaming: “(smiling) I didn’t really notice it at all. And I thought I was a bit loud today, as well.”
Mardy Fish, in his own words
On waiting for Hurricane Irene: “Stacey [his wife] went to shop quite a bit, got a bunch of magazines and flashlights. She was preparing for Armageddon, I think.”
Andy Murray, in his own words
On the US Open not having covers on its courts: “I was speaking to some of the guys about it when it started raining, and everyone comes up and it feels like we’re at Wimbledon. And because I’m from the UK, everyone always says the same thing to me. It rains here every single year, so it’s annoying.”
Na Li, in her own words
On losing in the first round of the US Open for two straight years””saying it like it is: “I think it’s terrible feeling. I mean, two years in a row, first round here, first round Indian Wells, Miami. Normally I like hard courts a lot. But I think these two years I’ve just been doing shit.”
