The Things We Learned at the 2008 U.S. Open

We learned a lot this year!

We learned that men's tennis has entered a new golden age, and that women's tennis is in disrepair. (Though that didn't stop the women's final from being surprisingly riveting, and the men's final from being something of a bore.)

We noticed that American men like Andy Roddick and James Blake are in the twilight of their careers, but that strong new Americans are emerging -- with more compelling fan support.

We ate (lots of) hot dogs and more exotic fare, and we marveled at the number of pizzas and hamburgers that everyone else consumed.

We walked the grounds and found hoodies, smokers, Anna Wintour, a perky lady with great skin, and some free beer.

We admired Obama earrings and drank Honey Deuces.

We watched, with amazement, as Novak Djokovic transformed himself into a villain, but we found an Austrian lefty to fill the void in our heart.

We talked to Maria Sharapova about her lack of interest in the Open, and we entered the stormy mind of Jelena Jankovic.

And we watched Roger and Serena, each desperate to win, return to the top.

What a year! We'll see you in 2009, by which time an oversized T.G.I. Friday's will have replaced our beloved Shea Stadium.

-- John & Zack