U.S. Open: LeBron James, Miami Heat, the talk of the tennis

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Lakers fans take note: It’s all about the Miami Heat at the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

Florida resident Andy Roddick, after his easy first-round win (6-3, 6-2, 6-2 over Frenchman Stephane Robert) was asked whether he was still a Heat fan.

‘I’m fine. I’m just sick of defending my fanhood,’ he said. ‘I was going to the games in 2001 when they were paying people to come.

Obviously I’m excited now. My big thing was, I was just hoping, praying, they’d re-sign Dwyane (Wade). And then (Chris) Bosh came and I was ecstatic. Then when LeBron (James) came it was bordering on ridiculous. Like everyone else, I’m excited to see how it all goes together.’

Singer Gloria Estefan, who performed before Monday’s night session, was asked about her expectations for the Heat.

‘Expectations? What a show,’ she said. ‘We are the center of the basketball universe right now in Miami. I think it’s very exciting. I think it’s going to be phenomenal to watch. No matter what happens, that is going to be something to see. Sold out already. Everybody is so excited.’

Perhaps Estefan doesn’t have any upcoming concert dates at Staples Center.

-- Diane Pucin reporting from New York