It’s late and I look like a drown rat. I just spent 7 hours outside in the pouring rain at the US Open. Can you handle the glamour of this job?! We, at the Open, are modeled from the same mold as the United States postmen…neither rain nor snow nor heat nor gloom of night…

I am amazed how many people turn out for the qualifying rounds…why, you ask…because it’s free! Seriously, the week before the Open starts, noteworthy players, who are not having a stellar year, have to qualify for the tournament. During this time, the spectators have the opportunity to see great tennis matches for zero cost, hang around the beautiful Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds and also view superstars practicing.

This brings me to today’s sightings…Rafa Nadal in all his glory was hitting on Court 4 at the far end of the practice courts during the only break in the weather. He is one yummy tennis God.

I also spotted Roger Federer, but he must have practiced in Ashe which is closed to spectators. His ranking dropped to #7 at the Open. This is his lowest ranking since he was #13 in 2002. Novak Djokovic is #1, Rafa Nadal #2, Andy Murray #3, David Ferrer #4….passed by David today. He is thinner in person and has great hair! Closing out the top 5, Tomas Berdych. The highest rated American is lofty, John Isner at #13…USA men need to represent.

USA did pick it up in the women’s draw as Serena Williams is ranked #1. Victoria Azarenka, who defeated Serena last week in Cincinnati, is #2. Sharapova was ranked #3, but is no longer participating due to a shoulder injury. Aggie Radwanska now takes over the #3 position. #4 belongs to Italian Sara Errani who was practicing on Armstrong today and #5 is Na Li. #16 Sloane Stephens is the other top 20 US player.

Just before departing the tennis center, my day ended with an ace…I ran into my buddy, John McEnroe, looking dapper in a suit and tie (background music, please… Justin Timberlake’s, “Suit & Tie!)  We chatted and then he was off to an interview. I think John is fabulous.