Anna and Diddy at the Open
Anna Wintour and Sean (Diddy) Combs were among a number of celebrities who attended yesterday’s U.S. Open semifinal between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Wintour was cheering for Federer, Combs for Djokovic. Their actions were observed. Their thoughts have been imagine.
Anna Wintour was surprised by her seat location for Saturday’s men’s semifinal between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. There was no room in the Federer box, her typical perch, so she had been forced to slum three rows up, behind the south end of the court. Not great, not bad, she thought, adjusting her red-and-yellow flower print dress as she sat down.
Across the court, Sean (Diddy) Combs had settled into the second row of Djokovic’s box, behind his coach and family. Diddy wore a navy baseball cap and white Polo shirt. White after Labor Day? Anna scoffed, eyes peeking above her sunglasses. Federer pulled a new racket from a plastic bag emblazoned with his “RF” logo. Anna nodded. Now that’s style. The sun had come out from behind the clouds and the court was heating up. Ball kids shielded the players with silver umbrellas. Diddy held one hand above his eyes, shielding them from the sun as he looked at a man being spotlighted on the JumboTron: Who’s Stanley Tucci?
Throughout the first two sets – Federer won both – Diddy had held his daughter in his lap. After the second, he had walked off with her into the stadium concourse. When he came back, she was gone. Gotta focus now, Diddy thought, handing out water bottles to others in the Djokovic box. No time for babysitting. Djokovic put a cap on – more protection from the sun – and broke Federer immediately. Between serves, Djokovic bounced the ball again and again, as he always did. Federer twirled his racket, over and over – ten, fifteen, twenty times – to while away the boredom. Hit the ball, Novak, Anna seethed. It was Fashion Week, and she had places to be. But this would not be a short match. Djokovic won the next two sets, giving up just five games. Diddy jumped up and down, pumping his fist. Crap crap crap, Anna thought. She looked at the JumboTron. Who’s Sandy Koufax?
Fifth set, 5-3, 40-15: Federer serving for the match. Anna’s legs shook nervously. She crossed her arms. Stay cool. Stay cool. The crowd screamed for Federer. Enough of this shit, Diddy thought. He and Djokovic had met at a party – details were scant – and hell if he was going to let his pal down now. The Djokovic box sat glumly in their seats, but Diddy stood up and clapped, a lone beacon of optimism. Djokovic looked around the court. Did he see Diddy? We’ll never know. But a moment later he unleashed an unholy backhand return that left no hope of a Federer reply. The crowd groaned. Djokovic lifted his hands and shook his head at the crowd’s favoritism. Are you not entertained? They were now, save for Anna. Oh, get on with it. Two more points to Djokovic and Anna lowered her head into her lap, covering the back of her neck with her hands. ComeoOnRogerComeOnRogerComeOnRoger. He did, with an ace. Anna looked up. He missed a forehand. Anna looked back down. A double fault – game, Djokovic – and Anna rose from her seat, eyes still locked on the ground, and retreated from sight.
Fast forward: 6-5, 40-15, match point for Djokovic. Djokovic bounced the ball twenty-one times. Federer twirled his racket. Diddy sat with his hands clenched. The Federer fans were in distress. Where’s Anna, our champion? Shelby Bryan, her beau, had gone looking for her. No luck. Federer’s return was long. Diddy pounded his chest. Djokovic danced to “Gonna Make You Sweat.” Diddy danced, too. US open was crazy! Good times!!!! Diddy thought, before typing that exact sentiment into Twitter. Congrats to da boy Novak! Great match! Now the party begins! LeeeeGoooo!!!!