As I start to write this blog, in an overpriced, understrength coffee outlet at Heathrow airport, I am distracted by one of those electronic waterfalls.
The rain gushes down, gathers in a flood at the bottom of the feature, before being recycled back to the top. It's a timely reminder that the kagool needs to packed for the Flushing Meadows experience.
The past two US Opens have ended on a third Monday while memories of the 2003 tournament are soured by three-and-a-half days of continuous rain and no play.
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Twelve months ago, Kim Clijsters was on the comeback trail - a comeback with low expectations. Correction, a comeback with no expectations.
These were tentative, first steps back on tour after taking a two-and-a-half year break to get married and start a family. It had been an emotional few months.
Her father Leo, a former Belgian international footballer, had passed away in January after suffering from cancer.
She started the 2009 US Open without a world ranking but ended it, a fortnight later, with her 18-month-old daughter toddling across the Arthur Ashe Stadium Court to join the barely-believable title-winning celebrations.
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Talking to Miles Maclagan is a rare privilege.
During his two-and-a-half year spell as coach to Andy Murray he never gave a proper interview, but now he's a free agent he's more than happy to pop into the studio.
The shackles may be off but the tongue isn't loose. He has enormous respect for his former employer, despite recent disagreements, and has been exchanging text messages over the past few days.
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