The first day of the 2013 US Open was like a throwback to the time when the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena were at the top of their games. 

Venus Williams, seeded 60th in the tournament, defeated 12th seed Kristen Flipkens 6-1 and 6-2. The older Williams dropped only four games en route to the win. Serena Williams on the other hand ran roughshod over Francesca Schiavone, the 2010 French Open winner to a tune of 6-0 and 6-1 under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Venus is now 33 years old, recovering from an autoimmune disease that leaves her weak. She has been hobbled for the year by a bad back, winning only three matches in the last five tournaments she has joined. This time though, the former World No. 1 Venus version appeared on court.

Her sister Serena is now World No.2 and is expected to be in the Finals of the US Open.

The US Open is one of the most awaited sporting events not just in the city of New York but the world as a whole. The tournament is a mix of fashion as well as athleticism in the Arthur Ashe Stadium and just about everywhere in the city. In 2011, the city of New York earned USD756 million in revenues from not only ticket sales but as to retail business, restaurant income and other venues.