
Show Me the US Open Money!
The US Open drew to a close yesterday afternoon, as Roger Federer beat Andy Murray in three sets. Federer claimed his 13th grand slam victory and vowed to try to win another one, because staying at 13 would be so unlucky. On the women's side of things, Serena Williams rallied through two sets to beat Jelena Jankovic.

Along with gaining another grand slam title and the silver chalice, how much did these folks win in prize money? Take this quiz and see if you can show me the US Open Money.
Will You Be Watching the US Open?
While I am loving the fashion of the US Open, it is the exciting tennis that keeps me watching — like the amazing quarterfinal battle between Venus and Serena. The women's final airs today at 8:00 p.m. EST, and the men's final will be Sunday at 4:00 p.m. EST. Both finals will air on CBS.

I want to know . . .
US Open Is a Fashion Grand Slam
As always, I am really enjoying the US Open right now. I love watching all the strong players battle it out on the court, but this year I am noticing an added element to the game: fashion.

Maybe it was because Anna Wintour has been frequenting the stands or because fashion week is just around the corner, but the tennis outfits are awesome this year. The colors are bright and the dresses and skirts are cute. Most of you loved Maria Sharapova's red dress last year, so I am guessing you're digging the fashion, too.
Check out all the cool looks at this year's Open and if you're feeling inspired, do a little shopping for your own cute little tennis dress.
There's a lot more after the break so read more
Words That Move You . . .
"What defines a person's character is not how you are when you're on top. It's how you are when you're on the bottom and working your way back." — Serena Williams, in the August 2008 issue of Glamour
After taking home a gold medal in women's doubles at the Olympics, Serena Williams is moving on to the US Open this week.
For even more motivation, check out these quotes.
Ball Stomp'r: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?
Here's yet another way to chuck a tennis ball without actually throwing it – time to use the power of da' feet. The Ball Stomp'r ($12) features a launch tube that fits a standard-sized ball and when you step, it soars up to 100 feet! If your dogs love to fetch and your throwing arm works about as well as mine (read: not good), this could be a nice option . . . and there's even a mini version ($8) for those teeny tennies. Will you step up for this product?
Trend Setters: Preppy Pets Rock . . . Tennis Chic
It's been a while since I've gave you a preppy update, but here I am with some tennis-inspired dog gear to celebrate the US Open.
If your dog's ready to play a game of fetch (and not a fan of dressing up), why not sub a simple prop like a collar or accessory? I especially love these visors – I thought I found every possible hat back on National Hat Day, but guess not . . . it's totally tennis prep for pups!
Bring the US Open Love Home!
Today marks the start of the US Open (which coincidentally coincided six years ago today when I brought North home to NYC)! To celebrate the beginning of this event, I'm rounding up the first round thing to come to mind . . . tennis balls, obviously.
North loves the extra small Air Kong versions 'cause they're super squeaky and fit him perfectly. (He usually tears all the fabric off a normal doggy tennis ball to use the frays to fetch 'em since they don't fit in his mouth.) Since he's pretty darn destructive, I'm shocked how long it takes him to kill the squeakers in this version – they sometimes last a couple months, which is an eternity in his chompers. From flavored to colored, check out all my faves . . . and don't forget to bring Daisy home, too!
Goodbye Olympics, Hello US Open!
Whether you're relieved or disappointed that the Olympics are over, you can now channel your sports watching elsewhere. The US Open kicks off today in New York!

I always love watching the Open: It's the only Grand Slam tournament held in the US, which makes it feel more familiar even if I can't sit courtside. This year, the Open is celebrating its 40th anniversary, so there'll be some extra nostalgia, including an opening ceremony (tonight at 7 p.m. EDT) highlighting the tournament's singles champs over the past four decades.
The Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rivalry will be in full force. Though Federer ceded his number one ranking to Nadal, he has won the past four US Opens, so a potential final against Nadal would be a must-see. Other big names to watch will be Lindsay Davenport, who is back after battling injuries, and Elena Dementieva, who just won the gold medal in women's singles Beijing. The way the matches shake out, there's no way that the Williams sisters, who scored Olympic gold in doubles, could face each other in the final match, but here's hoping they come back strong after Beijing.
Check out the schedule here to find out when all the good matches air. Will you be watching the US Open? Who are you most excited to see?