Nineteen Years Ago An Angel Appeared In Flushing

The U.S. Open, more than any other tennis tournament, is the showplace for tennis hotties. As a Grand Slam, it has one of the largest fields (therefore more chances for hotness) and the TV exposure is far greater. Plus, at Wimbledon you’re encouraged to dress lady-like. And the French is on clay, so it’s more about practical than fashionable even though it’s in Paris.

These days at New York City’s U.S. Open, it looks like most of the female participants are heading out for a night in Soho after their matches. Don’t get me wrong. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with these gals getting all dolled up. Heck, why do you think I watch? I mean, women’s tennis is all nice and good, but I’m really just there for the eye candy.

In fact, I remember my first hard fall for a tennis hottie. It was 19 years ago today when Gabriela Sabatini beat Steffi Graf in the U.S. Open final. Sure I was only eight, but I was advanced when it came to the appreciation of females. (I’m still waiting for the reciprocation of that appreciation.)

I grew up playing the sport and I used to watch with my mom. And boy did I love watching Gabriela Sabatini. Just saying it out loud gets me tingly. Think a hot Penelope Cruz.

Her Sept. 8, 1990 win over Graf was Sabatini’s only Grand Slam title. Though I’m pretty sure she gets slammed enough.