You Got Served; U.S. Open Officials Ban Trio For Involvement in Fight

American tennis fans are fighting mad that the United States best hope for a U.S. Open title bowed out of the tournament, and a couple of them came to blows last night in Flushing. Ok, perhaps it is not lingering bitterness over the exit of Andy Roddick, but last night’s rumble in Flushing has become instant internet fodder. Despite another strong performance from fan favorite Novak Djokovic, today’s tournament talk has focused on an unfortunate incident in the aptly named nose bleeds. However, as many people (including many of the Zapruder’s in the audience) have been quick to blame the young man involved, certain videos paint a very different picture.

As a long-time Yankee fan, my first reaction to the video evoked memories of a younger Pedro Martinez tossing aside a much older Don Zimmer. As any cool-headed supporter would do, I encouraged Mr. Martinez to “bring that **** to me”, despite being many miles from Fenway Park in my living room. For the rest of my life I will never admit Mr. Zimmer was wrong or defend Pedro’s actions, but perhaps last night’s events help paint what transpired in 2003 in a different light.

As for last night’s melee, I’ve been reluctant to place all of the blame on the younger guy involved. Clearly he seems to be out of line with his language, and the spill stains near the top of his neck suggest far too much drinking. However, there’s no disputing he was attacked. Does he not have the right for self-defense, or in this case, self-preservation? This guy maintains his cool after being smacked across the face and seemed content to let bygones be bygones when the first aggressor returned to her seat. What truly astounds me is that not a single person in the crowd seems the least bit bothered by her actions, nor those of the older gentlemen involved. Yes, you shouldn’t hit the elderly, women, or children (or really anyone for that matter). But does that give those people the right to get physical with others? If these groups do choose to instigate physical altercations, people can’t be appalled and outraged when the target of that aggression tries to defend themselves. Fortunately for any U.S Open goers for the next several years, USTA officials announced earlier today that the trio involved are barred from the grounds through 2013.