The Suite Life

This year, Laurie was given two tickets to attend the Saturday evening session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, compliments of Lehman Brothers (who does business with Allscripts). But these weren't just your average seats at the stadium. Lehman Brothers, who everyone should use for their financial needs, had an entire suite that could seat 15 or so people. It was very private and behind the seating area was a room with appetizers, beverages and, incredibly, its own private bathroom. I have never been one to feel entirely comfortable with this kind of lavish service but this I was digging.

Sipping a glass of wine and then strolling out to see the seating for the first time, we were told that we were right next to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) suite and Billie Jean King was there right now! The incredible woman whom this entire USTA Tennis Center is named after was sitting right next to us!! Looking back on it, I think I was in a state of shock. I was having a conversation with Keith's wife Megan (Keith works for Lehman Brothers and was our host for the evening) and I had to stop, mid-sentence, and exclaim how surreal this was to her.

To make it even more bizarre, Brian Williams (NBC News Anchor) was sitting two seats over from my seat and one row lower. It was a unique experience to catch a glimpse of him in a casual setting whispering to his wife and friends about the match and this and that. An NFL sideline reporter (name I'm not sure of) was also in the USTA suite that night. Later in the evening, Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees was in the suite. It was interesting to see everyone outside the suites peering up to catch a glimpse of A-Rod and Brian Williams. Most people were respectful and kept their distance but one eccentric blond, middle-aged bombshell with more than a few drinks in her came up to shake Brian Williams' hand and fawned over him for about 30 seconds or so. It was strange to watch. I don't know how famous people handle their fame. It really must be difficult at times.

As much as I would have liked to say hi to Billie Jean King, I never did. What could you say that she hasn't heard before? It seems like the best way to show them respect is to leave them alone.

Billie Jean King, Brian Williams, and Luke Jensen

Enough about the glitterati and rubbing elbows with famous people, we were here to see some great tennis. And did we ever!!! The first match of the night was between Shahar Peer and Nicole Vaidisova. In a highly competitive and exciting match, the 18 seed Peer prevailed over the 13 seed, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (5). There's nothing quite like the drama of a final set tiebreaker. Peer, from Israel, has an incredible following in NYC and the crowd was definitely pulling for her.

The second match featured Austrian Stefan Koubek playing New York favorite James Blake. Incredibly, the first three sets had the exact same score as the first match. Blake was up 2 sets to 1 (6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5)) when he finally took over the match and won the last set 6-1. Again, the third set tiebreaker was full of drama and big shots. Thankfully, Blake pulled it out. (Unfortunately, Blake lost to Tommy Haas in the next round in a five set marathon that ended in a tiebreaker also.)

The match did not end until after 1am and we did not get back to the hotel until 1:45am or so. The experience of witnessing tennis from a good seat in Arthur Ashe stadium was huge for me. There's nothing quite like tennis under the lights at the US Open. Thanks to Lehman Brothers for providing a wonderful night for Laurie and me.

Blake rips a backhand...

Laurie enjoying the suite life...