The ceremonial draw where the players are definitively announced and the order of play for this weekend's five matches is determined takes place today at noon Pacific time at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. While I can find no record of boxing-like antics between players at these events (imagine Roddick and Safin cursing and trying to strangle one another--the publicity would be tremendous!), drama ensued ten years ago when American player Todd Martin passed out on the stage during a 1997 draw ceremony in Washington while a Louisiana Senator pontificated. Who can blame him? It wasn't a bad omen, however, as the U.S. went on to beat Australia in that semifinal match 4-1, although they ultimately lost to Sweden 5-0 in that year's final.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Keep the Smelling Salts at the Ready
The ceremonial draw where the players are definitively announced and the order of play for this weekend's five matches is determined takes place today at noon Pacific time at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. While I can find no record of boxing-like antics between players at these events (imagine Roddick and Safin cursing and trying to strangle one another--the publicity would be tremendous!), drama ensued ten years ago when American player Todd Martin passed out on the stage during a 1997 draw ceremony in Washington while a Louisiana Senator pontificated. Who can blame him? It wasn't a bad omen, however, as the U.S. went on to beat Australia in that semifinal match 4-1, although they ultimately lost to Sweden 5-0 in that year's final.
