Courtside Notebook
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

GRANDSTAND GUT CHECK
He urged on the crowd, he pumped his fists, he twice vomited on court, and then Andy Murray defeated Andrei Pavel in five sets, 6-3, 3-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The tense match was highlighted by great passing shots and gritty play. A controversial fifth-set line call proved most memorable, though, as chair umpire Tony Nimmons overruled a linesman who had called out a slice lob from Murray.
Pavel exploded, screaming that Nimmons should not change a call that happened in the far corner of the court. “You don’t f—ing correct that! It was out,” Pavel said. “You didn’t saw s—, man. Such a call in the fifth set, you don’t understand s—.” Pavel went down 15-30 on his serve after the call and was soon broken. He was given a code violation and a point penalty in the next game. Pavel saved one match point before Murray served it out.
Murray, the Scottish teenager who dazzled at Wimbledon, played three matches last week to qualify for the tournament.
DAVENPORT OPENS WITH WIN
In the opening match of her 15th career U.S. Open last night, Lindsay Davenport was not quite the hitting machine she strives to be, making 20 unforced errors. Still, she was good enough to defeat Na Li of China 6-4, 6-4. After she seemed destined to win this title last year – not to mention the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year – Davenport said she was glad to begin another hunt for her fourth Grand Slam title, which has eluded her for more than five years. “I’m happy here,” she said. “Hopefully I can make the best of it.”
BRIT HAS SEEN BETTER DAYS
Britain’s Tim Henman, a semifinalist here last year, lost 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to Fernando Verdasco of Spain. The no. 12 seed has had a disappointing season and many fear he might be nearing the end of his career.
AMERICAN ON ENEMY SOIL
Paul Goldstein may have been from the home country, but he wasn’t the fan favorite on Court 11 against popular Brazilian and former world no. 1 Gustavo Kuerten. Over four sets, Kuerten hit an astonishing 73 unforced errors, yet emerged victorious, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6 (3).
BELGIAN OFF TO GOOD START
French Open champ Justine Henin-Hardenne won her first match 6-3, 6-0 over the Czech Zuzsana Ondraskova.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS
Maria Sharapova, Lleyton Hewitt, and Kim Clijsters will play in Arthur Ashe Stadium today, while Venus Williams will see action, too, likely in Ashe or the Louis Armstrong Stadium. Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal highlight the evening session.
Nadal’s match against American Scoville Jenkins ought to attract a crowd, though the young American would do well to last more than two hours.
In other afternoon singles action, American Taylor Dent plays his first match of the tournament against Germany’s Lars Burgsmuller (Louis Armstrong Stadium at 11:00 a.m.).
Also today, the doubles tournaments begin. American twins Bob and Mike Bryan are in action on the Grandstand court following two singles matches.