Left field

By Josh Hargreaves

The 2010 U.S. Open, brought to you by The Weather Channel.

They may not be an official sponsor but the weather, everyone’s favorite small-talk subject, has dominated talk of the first week of the Open so much that the conditions are getting more air time than any one company.

It started with searing heat, so much so that the little used Extreme Weather Policy was implemented.  Throw in a few marathon matches, and then the collapse of Victoria Azarenka due in part to the blistering temperatures during her second round match.

The heat may even be getting to some of the spectators as play was stopped briefly as New York police handcuffed three rowdy fans and evicted them from Flushing Meadows.

Now talk of the heat is giving way to Earl. And it’s not his great footwork or sizzling serve that has people talking. The hurricane may land at Flushing Meadows sometime this weekend. Threatening to dump gallons of rain and reeking havoc with the tournament schedule.

Oh yeah, 22 seeded players have made early exits, including six more Thursday. Roger Federer, Caroline Wozniacki and Jelena Kankovic all advanced.  But the weather is a topic that everyone can relate too.