This year's tournament, which goes from August 27 to September 9, is the 125th anniversary of the Open and will feature such famous faces as Andy Roddick, Venus and Serena Williams, and last year's singles winners, Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer. The prize money this year tops a record US$ 19.6 million, with a potential US$ 22.2 million payout.

The US Open has always had a storied history, but since it connected with the ATP and WTA in 2004, it has grown in television viewership, event attendance, and even corporate partnerships for the sport. It has become more accessible to everyone from tennis fanatics to people who only recognize Andy Roddick because he used to date Mandy Moore. Last year, more than 95 million viewers watched the US Open worldwide and this year, the US Open expects to attract more than 640,000 fans to the event.

One way that the Open has become more accessible to the public is through its website, USOpen.org, which changes each year to reflect a new tournament. The 2007 site is up and running, and while the matches haven't started yet, the site itself is poised to serve up some aces. Let's take it to the net and see how the site does under some pressure.

It's no secret that websites and online media have changed the way fans look at sports. They want up-to-the-minute scores and the ability to watch highlights of the games. Luckily, the US Open is staying on top of that. Schedules, scores, and audio and video clips are all posted on the site. Last year, the US Open demonstrated its commitment to using technology offline to improve the tournament and the competition by becoming the first of the Grand Slam tournaments to incorporate instant replay technology into the matches.

With many of the matches televised (on CBS and USA, if you're wondering), the US Open has been reaching new fans and creating a larger fan base. The website works in that same vein, making the Open even more accessible and helping people feel like they are part of the action. Fans can purchase their own US Open gear, order tickets to the matches, and even get US Open wallpaper for their computers. If curious spectators don't know much about tennis itself, they can check out the online lessons and coaching or click through to the home page of the United States Tennis Association, the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the US, where they can learn more about the sport.

But for those who are well versed in tennis lingo, the US Open site will also keep you entertained. There are several informational pages with the history of the event, as well as past winners and information about record holders. So, the next time you're discussing tennis, you can throw out, "Did you know that Tommy Ho was the youngest person to play at the US Open, in 1988, when he was 15 years, 2 months, and 14 days old?"

The US Open is a worldwide event and attracts the stars—both on and off the court. Female tennis players strut their stuff in their own tennis clothing lines. Players smile at fans from advertisements all over the tennis center. Celebrities come to enjoy the festivities. Arthur Ashe Kids Day gives kids a chance to enjoy some music from well-known artists (Kat Deluna, Lil Mama, and the Jonas Brothers are on tap this year) and watch exhibition matches with the players before the tournament. So, the website for the US Open wouldn't be complete without a little bit of celebrity.

Which, of course, it has. There are photo galleries showing off the players and information about all the US Open-related events like Arthur Ashe Kids Day and the Dacor Taste of Tennis benefit.

Overall, the website for the US Open really falls in line with the reputation and brand of the tournament. It provides all the basic information, meeting the needs of a website covering a major sporting event, and keeping fans happy. It also goes that extra mile to have a little fun with things, including games and plenty of pictures. The site welcomes all tennis fans (even ones like me who only play enough to get beat in a doubles match once a year) to join in, and it reminds all the viewers of the rich history behind one of America's favorite tennis events.

Game, set, match for USOpen.org!