US Open Tennis 2015: TV Schedule, Start Times for Friday Night Draw
The prime-time affairs in Flushing Meadows, New York, are getting better and better as the 2015 U.S. Open enters its first weekend.
Even with just two matches set to grace the Arthur Ashe Stadium court under the lights Friday, there's no shortage of storylines and potential drama. As if an all-American battle between the queen of women's tennis and an under-the-radar challenger isn't enough, a slumping legend will also look to keep his quest for a title alive.
Here's a glance into both of Friday night's marquee matches.
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Friday Night Schedule
| Women's Third Round | 7 p.m. | No. 1 Serena Williams vs. Bethanie Mattek-Sands | ESPN2 |
| Men's Third Round | 9:30 p.m. | No. 8 Rafael Nadal vs. No. 32 Fabio Fognini | ESPN2 |
No. 1 Serena Williams vs. Bethanie Mattek-Sands
There aren't many fellow Americans on the tour whom Serena Williams knows better than Bethanie Mattek-Sands. But that doesn't mean there will be a huge sense of familiarity when the two take the court Friday night.
That's because despite both players aged 30 or older and having a wealth of experience, Williams and Mattek-Sands have only faced off twice. The last meeting came way back in 2008, when Williams dispatched her opponent in two easy sets.
Despite that, Mattek-Sands is well accustomed to Flushing Meadows, as she is embarking on her 13th career appearance. The spotlight usually hasn't followed her in the previous dozen outings, but that has changed heading into this one, and she appears ready.
"I have nothing to lose... I know how Serena's going to come. She plays aggressive," Mattek-Sands told Danielle Elliot of Yahoo Sports. "I mean, she plays big. I'm just going to go out with my game plan. That's really all I'm kind of thinking about now."
Of course, going out there with her game plan will only produce results if Williams is unable to stick to her own game plan. Even in situations where this happens, Williams typically has the time and the resolve to turn things around.
As many of the women's top seeds fall in the opening days of play in Queens, Williams continues to advance despite not playing her best tennis. Don't be surprised if that continues through Friday night.
No. 8 Rafael Nadal vs. No. 32 Fabio Fognini
It's been a 2015 calendar year to forget for Rafael Nadal, who has seen his status slip from an unquestioned top-four player to one on the cusp of a double-digit seed.
Things don't get any easier for the Spanaird Friday night, as he goes up against an Italian who has had his number thus far this season. Fabio Fognini isn't having a great 2015, either, but he has taken two of the three head-to-head affairs with Nadal this year.
Failing to continue his French Open reign cast doubt over Nadal supporters who wonder if he'll ever get back to the form necessary to win a Grand Slam. He has no such doubts, as he assured his supporters of that, per the Press Association, via the Guardian:
"I am No. 8 in the world. I am not No. 100. It seems like I am No. 200 in every press conference. I am not so bad. After I arrive here with the victory, I go back to the locker room saying how bad I am. Every day.
For the fans, it is normal that they are worried because I am worried, too. If I am not playing well, I am the first one who worries.
"
Even with Nadal comfortable with where he is entering Friday night, folks should expect nothing less than a long match between the two. That's at least what sports journalist Carole Bouchard thinks:
Fognini has gotten the best of Nadal in two of three meetings in 2015, but for what it's worth, Nadal made good on their last meeting in Hamburg, winning 7-5, 7-5.
Another evenly matched affair should be in the cards Friday night.
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