This week during the US Open National Playoff Sectional Qualifying tournament, ESPN radio host Mike Greenberg teamed with women's tennis legend Chris Evert in the mixed doubles competition. They were taking advantage of a new rule that allows anyone over the age of 14 to play qualifying tournaments for a chance to get a wild card into the tournament's main draw.
Greenberg grew up dreaming about playing in the US Open, and it just so happens that Chris Evert was not only one of his favorite players growing up, but was also his first crush, so this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Greenberg on multiple levels.
The most amusing/awkward moment of the highlight video, provided via Youtube, came at the 1:03 mark, where Mike Greenberg drills a return volley square into Chris Evert's rear end.
In the end, a good time was had by all, and Greenberg can be satisfied with giving it his best shot. Will they try again next year? We'll have to wait and see.
Evert returns to US Open courts (sort of), pairs with ESPN host [Busted Racquet]
Greenberg grew up dreaming about playing in the US Open, and it just so happens that Chris Evert was not only one of his favorite players growing up, but was also his first crush, so this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Greenberg on multiple levels.
"It has always been Mike's dream to play in the U.S. Open, and I was happy to help him with his dream," said Evert.Evert last played in the US Open in 1989, so their performance on the court was not much of a surprise:
The unlikely pairing lost 6-1, 6-4 to the formidable duo of Bea Bielik and Darrin Cohen. Bielik won the 2002 NCAA singles championship while at Wake Forest and Cohen was a standout at the University of Virginia.
The most amusing/awkward moment of the highlight video, provided via Youtube, came at the 1:03 mark, where Mike Greenberg drills a return volley square into Chris Evert's rear end.
In the end, a good time was had by all, and Greenberg can be satisfied with giving it his best shot. Will they try again next year? We'll have to wait and see.
Evert returns to US Open courts (sort of), pairs with ESPN host [Busted Racquet]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
