The Deuce Club, 11.6

By Jackie, TW Social Director

Good evening, TWibe! In our TennisWorld > Real WorldFacebook group this week, I asked members if they’d be willing to share photos of their Halloween costumes, and one illustrious TWiber happily obliged. Introducing ... John HackEnroe, a.k.a. Ryan! The get-up is both clever and creepy - the perfect Halloween look. Well done, Ryan, and thanks for sharing!

I know this is our OT space, but I couldn’t help but comment on tennis, considering Doha is upon us. Over the past few years, I haven’t been nearly as enthusiastic about the women’s game as I have the men’s, but I’ll admit that this season has been great fun.

How far we’ve come since the Sharapova-Ivanovic showdown in Melbourne:  Henin’s shocking retirement. The flip-flopping at the top of the ranks. The continued rise of the Vitches – Jankovic and Ivanovic. The emergence of Safina (no longer just Marat’s kid sis!). The Williams sisters' command of the Slams. I’m excited for what 2009 holds for these ladies, as well as for rising stars like Wozniacki and fallen (injured) ones like Sharapova.

Yet tennis was far from many of our minds this week considering Tuesday marked Election Day in the U.S. As we all know, Barack Obama was elected our 44th President, and nowhere were the celebrations more spirited than in Chicago, Obama’s – and my – hometown.

Since I reside in a Chicago suburb, I didn't attend the rally in Grant Park, but many of my friends were there. I've heard reports that over 225,000 people were present, including such notables as Jesse Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, and Spike Lee. Maybe I was the only person who stayed home! One co-worker described the atmosphere as "amazingly electric," and another said the scene resembled a giant party, with people screaming, applauding, jumping, and, even bawling. Horns honked and music blared. Still, they were a peaceful bunch; I was happy to hear that all who participated came out unscathed.

Everyone who shared their rally experience with me said that it was an unforgettable night. They "witnessed history," as one friend put it. He's a Republican, too, which underscores the notion that Tuesday's events were important not only to Democrats and Obama supporters but to Americans as a whole.

On a lighter note, I thought I'd share excerpts from a funny ESPN Magazine article, connecting the candidates with rooting interests in sports (including tennis!). (Note that this was published prior to the election.)

"Vote for Obama if you ...
... think it is proper that an American man rules Wimbledon. Pete Sampras' run at the All England Club came during the Clinton years.
... think the Ryder Cup is at home only on U.S. soil. The last four times the GOP triumphed, the Euros claimed the trophy in the next biannual showdown."

"Vote for McCain if you ...
... are a Celtics fan. The past seven times Boston has hoisted a banner, a Republican has been watching from the White House.
... delight in seeing the Yankees struggle. [A] red-stater in the Oval is their Achilles' heel: They haven't been victorious since Clinton moved out, and they win about three times less often, and lose three times more often, when an elephant is in charge."

Hmmm ... does this mean Roddick's winning Wimbledon next year?

As always, please use this thread to discuss politics (if you haven't tired of it already!), football, daylight savings, or anything else OT that tickles your fancy. If you're at a loss, ponder this: Have you ever been a part of an event of historical significance? If so, how would you describe the experience? If not, what do you wish you could've taken part in?