September 06, 2011
The U.S. Open Tennis Championship features world-class athletes
competing at the game's highest level.
View photo gallery
And that was certainly the case on Thursday, September 1 when
St. John's alumni and friends gathered to watch the second-round
night session live at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Guests also had the
opportunity to attend a private reception for St. John's attendees
held prior to the matches.
“The U.S. Open is a great event, and it's right in our own
backyard,” said Stephen M. Maresca ’72CBA. “And with St. John's
having an exclusive event right here on the grounds, I knew I
couldn't pass this up. It's been a great evening of familiar faces
and getting acquainted with new alumni.”
Some of the most outstanding tennis players in the world
competed in that evening’s night session. Caroline Wozniacki of
Denmark – the number-one women's player in the world – steamrolled
the Netherland's Arantxa Rus 6-2, 6-0 in the first match. The men's
number-one player in the world, Novak Djokovic from Serbia, put on
a show in the second match, besting Argentina's Carlos Berlocq in
straight sets, 6-0, 6-0, 6-2.
In addition to watching these great athletes in action, the
alumni and friends were able to meet other members of the St.
John's community and reminisce with old friends.
“This is my second year attending,” said Kenn Devane ’78SVC.
“It's a great time watching such amazing tennis matches. And the
reception is a wonderful place to bring your family and meet other
alumni.”
Karen A. Madden '68UC - a huge tennis fan - agreed
wholeheartedly.
“The U.S. Open is such a great New York event,” she said. “And
St. John's is also a great New York fixture. So I really enjoyed
this event, and I hope I can continue to connect with the other
alumni at receptions like this in the future.”