Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees Join Arthur Ashe Day at The U.S. Open
	The U.S. Open was transformed into Munchkin Land Saturday, as fans of 98 Degrees and Jessica Simpson gathered at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, N.Y., during the fifth annual Arthur Ashe Day. Signs like "Drew blow us a kiss," "I love you Nick" and "98 Degrees to me you're everything" dotted the stadium as fans screamed at the mere mention of the boy band's name.

Celebrating the legacy of Arthur Ashe, as well as his and the USTA's commitment to children, the all-day festival was created to bring the tennis experience to anyone and everyone. Families wandered the grounds, watching tennis stars like Andre Agassi practice on the courts and participate in clinics by Todd Martin, Alexandra Stevenson, Jim Courier and Martina Hingis.

But the highlight of the day was the two-hour stadium show hosted by CBS' Mark McEwen and VH1's Roshumba Williams. Between celebrity tennis matches (with Alec Baldwin, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Chevy Chase as guest umpires), 98 Degrees and Jessica Simpson staged performances heavily reliant on the latest dance moves. Both acts featured extra dancers, and both just ran through their hits. Simpson, who looked like an extra from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me in her white go-go boots and mini-skirt, was in especially strong form when her 98 Degrees boyfriend Nick Lachey joined her on their duet "Where You Are."

A portion of the proceeds of the event (approximately $400,000) contributed by the Arthur Ashe Foundation, Aetna and the USTA, will be donated to the 2001 USA Tennis National Tennis Junior League budget. The late Ashe created the USA Tennis NJTL in 1969 to assist economically disadvantaged youngster in the game of tennis and life.

(August 29, 2000)