Wozniacki, Townsend play first match on new Grandstand

NEW YORK CITY — On Monday, Day 1 at the US Open saw the first-ever match take place on the new Grandstand stadium. The bowl-shaped arena was packed to the brim by the end of a marathon between Caroline Wozniacki and Taylor Townsend.

"It’s pretty cool to be the first one," former No. 1 Wozniacki said. "I think it's a big honor. I really like the court. I think it's a good atmosphere out there. Last year, when I heard the old Grandstand wasn’t going to be there anymore, I was really sad because that's one of my favorite courts."

On Monday, Townsend had the edge by being the home favorite, while Wozniacki was seeking her first Grand Slam win of 2016.

"I was really happy to be able to break the court in, quote/unquote," Townsend said. "It was really great, and especially putting in—being an American, it was awesome."

Still, the Dane would prevail as the court's first victor after two hours and 12 minutes, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. And she's twice as happy since the experience convinced her that the new Grandstand is going to be just as great, or even greater, than her beloved old one.

"I walked in there today and I was like this court is really awesome," she said. "The crowd was nice. It's definitely a big upgrade. its a beautiful court. I loved it.

"I think its gonna be a court with a lot of special matches in the future."