Hurricane Earl came and went. There were fisticuffs in the bleachers. An accountant was arrested for scalping tickets NEXT TO THE WILL CALL BOOTH. There were concussions, repercussions. There was oppressive heat and digressive wind. And, oh yeah, they played some, too, at the U.S. Open. Herewith, our midterm grades through Saturday. All marks handed on the North Carolina football program’s grading curve.
A: Women’s field: The negative talk before the event has been neutralized by strong play from the top seeds. Caroline Wozniacki is playing like a top seed (and then some), dropping three games in three matches. Kim Clijsters is looking like a defending champ; Maria Sharapova is looking like a former champ. Ana Ivanovic back in the picture. No real holes in the draw and lots of enticing matches to come.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal: Rolling, rolling, rolling.
Spanish Armada: The world’s new sports powerhouse nation sends nine men into the round of 32.
Andrea Petkovic: Made it to the fourth round, and you gotta like the footwork.
A-minus: Mirjana Lucic: Get back on the board, eight-plus years after her last major win, projecting poise and confidence.
Age: Venus Williams, Michael Llodra, Patty Schnyder — all north of 30 –march proudly on.
Full story: U.S. Open Midterm Grades – Jon Wertheim – SI.com