MainStreet's Guide to the U.S. Open

The final leg of the 2008 Grand Slam tennis tournament season starts today, when the U.S. Open kicks off at Flushing Meadows, New York. Even if you can’t get to Queens, NY to catch a piece of the action, here’s everything you need to watch from home and stay in the loop at the water cooler.

HOW TO WATCH
There are two sessions on weekdays, one in the morning and one in the evening. Starting Monday, August 25, the morning session begins at 11am ET and lasts until approximately 4pm ET. During the early rounds of the Open, the USA network (GE) will play matches in completion. CBS (CBS) will feature the final matches. If you’re stuck at work and dying to know what is happening, log on to The U.S. Open website’s Live Scores section and get live updates for every match.

THE PRIZE MONEY
There is a total $19.2 million in prize money at stake in this year’s U.S. Open, with the top singles winners taking home $1.5 million each. But you don’t have to be a champion to take home some cash. Even first round singles winners leave with $18,500, for just one win. Of course he money really gets big around the quarterfinals, where winners receive $160,000 in prize money.

WHO TO WATCH - MEN
Rafael Nadal, Seed #1
Money: Nadal has banked $19,996,948 in prize money since he turned pro in 2001.
Why to watch: After winning the gold at the Beijing Olympics and beating Roger Federer in Wimbledon and the French Open, Nadal is one of the hottest male tennis players around. With a win-loss record of 67-8 the tennis world is looking to him to take home this title.

Roger Federer, Seed #2
Federer is the reigning U.S. Open champion with four wins under his belt. But after suffering losses to Nadal in the finals of both Wimbledon and the French Open, the previously ranked number one player was recently knocked down to number two.
Money: Since 1998 Federer has raked in $41,768,419 in prize money.
Why to watch: Watch for a possible rematch between Nadal and Federer in the finals.

Novak Djokovic, Seed #3
The Australian Open winner is known for his off-court antics, often spoofing players like Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal. He will face Arnaud Clement in the first round.
Money: Djokovic turned pro in 2003 and has made $8,329,932 in prize money.
Why to watch: Djokovic could face Federer in the semifinals, a rematch of last year’s U.S. Open final showdown where Federer took home the top prize.

WHO TO WATCH – WOMEN