US OPEN

New York Dream Realized, Vurro wins first Slam In 7 Seasons 

It has been a long time since there was a young man from Hungary hoisting a grand slam title and since the PTA's inception of the silver trophy, it has never happened.

The final grand slam of the unbelievably successful season 12 was just another fairytale story in a season rife with memorable and interesting story lines.

Nic Vurro of Hungary won his second United States title and third slam of his storied career. It was his first slam since season 5. It was hard to pick the Hungarian to win a slam at the seasons beginning but his consistency and hard work earned him not only the re-invented respect of his peers but some precious hardware as well. Along with a Masters title in Germany, and International crown in Antarctica Vurro added the last and most coveted piece to his collection, a grand slam.

Accomplishing this feat was no easy task. Vurro had to take down the best in the world Pelligra. The match started great for Vurro as he raced out to a 4-0 lead. His counter punch game was on and he was reading the Canadian very well.

However, on a change over, Pelligra hunched over for a moment in what appeared to be an injury or fatigue, he never did comment on what it was but whatever it was it righted his ship. Pelligra went on to take the next four games and was playing beautifully again. Pelligra was just 2 games away from winning his third straight slam but as he served at 4-4 he appeared to run out of gas. Vurro pounced on his opening and made the Canadian pay. Vurro was now serving for the US Open. The nerves in his body, the blood in his veins and the thoughts in his head all must have been battling the Hungarian in this tortuous yet anxious moment.

Vurro watched the final shot of Pelligra sail long and dropped to the ground like a salami. Greated on his side of the court by long time rival Pelligra the two embraced in a hug.

All that was left was the one thing that Vurro waited 3 years and 7 season to do, lift the United States Open trophy above his head. Handed to him by Pelligra, the Hungarian with a smile ear to ear grabbed his prize and soaked in every second. It took a long time, a lot of hard work, frustration, and acceptance before his moment came but alas, it was his and it couldn't have been a sweeter sight to the New York faithful.

Vurro's road to the finals was through long time rival Civello. The match appeared to be a romp at first but the Italian made it interesting in the end with a couple of high quality games but his hole was too deep and Vurro put him away. Ending a tough season for Civello who will be missing his first Rome Masters event. It was a tough first half for Civello but he made more and more tournaments towards the end and his games showed progress. Look out for him next year.

The other half of the draw was affected by the South American factor. NO SHOWS! All season long if there was one constant it was the lack of professionalism from the three south Americans in the PTA. 8 last minute cancellations compared to the rest of the leagues 5 not to mention a combined 25 no responses to tournament registration. Bring in the new blood. The first ever father son tandem took part in the slam in hopes of making the next year roster.

The 16 year old Michael Vurro was up against the PTA giant Pelligra and right from the get-go it was a match. Tied at 1's Michael broke Pelligra then played high quality tennis until he was at 5-3. Michael with a match point on Pelligra's serve duked it out in a 20 + shot rally that finally saw the youngster find the net. he made one mistake and that was give the Canadian new life. Pelligra held then broke Michael for the first time but again was broken only to break back and force a breaker. Tied at 3's Pelligra would reach down and find his extra "something" to give him the win. The New York crowd however, loved the kids effort and await his return.

Now it was time for dad. Making his PTA debut Mike was ready to do what his son couldn't. despite Pelligra being physically and emotionally drained he was also playing loose again and was firing away on Vurro. His serve was off due to an injury but the forehand was on and it was a much needed semi final, ease  for Pelligra.
                                                                 
With the final slam completed and the season all done for four players you can expect a retrospective after Rome of a breakdown of all the season's goings on. Just to look at slams right now, Pelligra made a Federer run in 2009. He made all the slam finals against 4 different opponents and captured the European speciality surface slams French and Wimbledon. Just like Federer. Other finalist were Titan who won the Australian in a breaker. Ferrara who fell victim on the dirt at Roland Garros, Toste who wilted in the heat at Wimbledon and of course Vurro who triumphed in Flushing Meadows. 5 men 3 champions. Only Titan did not qualify for Rome.