They Bring The U.S. Open Series into our Homes

ESPN2 and Tennis Channel are the players here and since they can share broadcast studios and crews they can and will provide quarterfinals on coverage of the smaller events and week-long coverage of the larger events leading up to The U.S. Open. The best part of the U.S. Open Series to me is the broadcast center that they use before and after the matches for interviews. Seconds after the match, the winning player is whisked to the broadcast tent and is interviewed by the broadcasters. The players are still dripping with sweat and fans gather around the open air studio to get a glimpse of the proceedings. This is great television for tennis fans.

With the Atlanta event already in the books, we not only were treated to some great tennis action, but also the expert commentary of all the names and faces we love. Listening to a favorite sports announcer is like listening to an old friend. For the most part, the analysts ESPN and Tennis Channel put in-front of the cameras are easy to listen to, know their sport, and have the respect of today's players. That recipe makes for excellent tennis coverage.

ESPN - Veterans Cliff Drysdale, Darren Cahill, and Brad Gilbert were on hand in Atlanta. Expect to see Chris Fowler, Mary Carillo, Mary Joe Fernandez, Pat McEnroe and Pam Shriver among others during ESPN2's coverage. Drysdale, Cahill, and Carillo are the stars here. Drysdale's silky smooth delivery combined with Cahill's analysis and ability to predict what might happen next make this pairing special. Carillo is fun to watch because you never know what she might say next.

Tennis Channel - Tennis Channel's team covering The U.S. Open Series is just as strong. In Atlanta we had Ted Robinson running point, Jimmy Arias doing color, and Ashley Fisher doing on-court reporting. Tennis Channel bills itself as "Home of the Slams", but they are also the "Home leading up to the Slams." Ted Robinson has covered just about every sport as a broadcaster, and he's a real pro. Speaking to him in Atlanta, he said he loves covering tennis and since he isn't doing baseball he can do more tennis events in the Summer. Jimmy Arias, Leif Shiras, Justin Gimelstob and Lindsay Davenport also serve as talent for Tennis Channel. With this lineup, they have all the bases covered.

Coverage of the tournaments in California starts today. Should be fun!