118FFF5C-A83C-42F2-B681-324273986C0E

© Howie Burnett

(September 2, 2010) The heat hung heavily in the air like a curtain adding another element to this Flushing Meadows fortnight. Anyone who claims tennis isn't a contact sport should review video of Victoria Azarenka's frightening collapse on court. Players and fans alike have braved health risk during the scorching early days of play. Drama and upsets erupted on Day 3 and here are some observations of what we've witnessed so far as we watch Day 4.
 
We've learned that Rafael Nadal spent some of his time after winning Wimbledon taking treatment for his creaky knees, which is both understandable and a wise from Nadal. What I don't understand is all the silence surrounding it? We should know what he's using and what the long term effects will be of his sacrifice in order to play his best tennis. Why is there secrecy about this?
 
Assuming the statement the USTA released claiming Azarenka hit her head and arm sprinting on a treadmill before her collapse trailing Gisela Dulko 1-5 on Wednesday is true, then why was Azarenka allowed to start her match after hitting her head just before it?



Surely there must have been other people in the fitness center who saw Azarenka's treadmill trip, if in fact that's really what happened.

Why can't the USTA, WTA and other governing bodies get their acts together about the importance of the health of the players coming first, not the bucks to be made?

Tennis seems to subscribe to "the show must go on" mentality. I'm shocked and amazed the incompetence goes on. Let's be real: Azarenka should never have been allowed to take the court, especially since she's had a history of having trouble with very hot conditions. Do players need to fall down and die from hitting their heads on the hard courts before somebody wakes up and smells the futility of the match managers?

Is tennis going to become a blood sport before the powers that be wake up and recognize this schedule and sport tends to cannibalize its own? If you think that's a gross generalization why have current and former World No. 1 players like Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin walked away from the game at times during their primes?

We watch the two hours these players spend on court, but don't see the countless hours of training and travel that go on behind the scenes.

Andy Roddick may still own one of the fastest serves in tennis history, but when it comes to downshifting game plans, A-Rod is as mobile as a Hummer stuck in neutral.

Not to kick a man when he's down because Roddick is only 14 months removed from a masterpiece of a match that ended with a gut-wrenching loss in the Wimbledon final, but do you honestly see any progress in his game?


 
Let's fact it, Andy is so one-dimensional in his play it's a wonder he gets as deep in tourneys as he does these days. His serve is not enough to beat human backboards who can serve big and chang direction like Tipsy. His forehand is no longer a "fearhand" to quote Brad Gilbert. Roddick hasn't added enough to his game while the Tour caught up and passed him. Tipsy exposed his lack of a second gear and ability to change a losing game.

Here's the harsh reality for Andy Roddick: yes, he is still our nation's best male player but unless he finds a way to expand and enhance his game he will not be a factor in majors in the future.
 
There is some silver lining in the cloud hanging over the future of US tennis. The young players have a lot of talent and it's good to see.

Little Melanie Oudin looked relieved to get the pressure off her shoulder. This is a time for Melanie to reboot her game, reset her resolve and redefine the type of tennis she wants to play.  What happens when Cinderella is reunited with the glass slipper? There's still a long road ahead. The good news is Melanie is a fighter with deep desire and a positive spirit.
 
Ryan Harrison showed how young legs, a fresh spirit and smart tactical approach can take down a veteran like Ivan Ljubicic, who looked fried.
 
Donald Young has talent and nothing else. If Young doesn't get stronger and fitter and seek out a different coaching voice,  he will never realize his potential.
 
Even if the scorching conditions subside, only the strong will survive in New York.