Picture, if you will, a giant Billie Jean King, circa 1973, floating majestically over the Manhattan skyline to the strains of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." Until now, that's been a fantasy for aging feminists and lesbians, and a nightmare for the rest of us. But the Tennis Channel and BPG bring that image to life in this animated spot touting the network's inaugural coverage of the U.S. Open, starting this coming Monday. BJK ranks among the greatest pro athletes ever, male or female, and her role in breaking down gender stereotypes was profound. Still, we know she won't be playing at Flushing Meadows this year, so her appearance here, along with a vintage Jimmy Connors, underscores how starved the sport has become for charismatic superstars of late. What about Anna Kournikova? She wasn't so great on the court, but her leggy blondeness slashing across the clouds sure couldn't hurt this spot. Oh, and at one point, the Statue of Liberty grabs a racket. Our freedom-hating enemies overseas must be terrified!

—Posted by David Gianatasio

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