There’s only one indoor sports arena in the world that could attract twelve thousand fans on a Nor-easter night where Polar Bears would be scurrying for cover. During probably the worst winter storm of the worst winter in recent memory, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Jelena Jankovic, and Ana Ivanovic squared off in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden in New York City for the Billie Jean King Cup.

Somehow, yours truly managed to snag an invitation to this historic event, which turned out to be a night of tennis fun. HBO Sports covered the matches. Bill Clinton was there to honor his old friend, Billie Jean. Ivan Lendl, former number one player in the world, organized the event with his long-time friend and business partner Jerry Solomon. Jerry’s company Star Games put it all together. BNP Paribas Bank put up the prize money. Fila USA did six apparel shops.
Mark Mason, of Mason’s Tennis Shop in Midtown Manhattan got some great exposure for helping out with the night’s activities. Johnny Mac, Mary Carillo, and and Billie Jean did the commentating for HBO. Michael Goitein, Senior Project Manager for Strategic Domain, was seen at the Paribas Dinner Party in a serious conversation with former New York City (and professed tennis fanatic) Mayor David Dinkins about the state of tennis in the New York area.
All this, topped off with a star-studded field at the Garden. Jankovic and Serena squared off, and Ivanovic took on Venus. But this was not Serbia’s night of tennis glory, as Venus and Serena marched to another meeting in their historic rivalry. Younger sis Serena took out Venus in the final, 6-4, 6-3.
The night’s big winner was definitely Billie Jean King. She is without a doubt the most influential person in the game of tennis today, and deservedly so. Billie Jean has accomplished so much. Warm congratulations to her on the success of this event, and I’m definitely heading back to the Big Apple for next year’s Monday’s Night Tennis Across America, and the second annual Billie Jean King Cup Showdown.
Will be reporting next time from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Until then, this is Steve “Lightning” Krulevitz. Strength and honor!
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