NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. Open, the final tennis major of the
year, takes center stage today in New York City. Despite minor
damage from Tropical Storm Irene at the Billie Jean King National
Tennis Center, today's schedule won't be affected very much.
     Among those in action today, men's No. 3 Roger Federer and 8th
seed Mardy Fish, the highest seeded American male. On the women's
side, third-seed Maria Sharapova (shah-rah-POH'-vah), a former
winner, opens play, as does No. Vera Zvonareva (zvahn-uh-RAY'-vuh).
     The Open comes to an end on Sept. 11.