TennisGrandstand

This U.S. Open promises to be an absolute hum dinger. There is so much on the line with regards to what may happen in 2009.

Roger Federer could either fall off from the chase of Rafael Nadal or keep it real interesting. If Nadal wins the Open then he is going to have an incredible year to hold onto the No. 1 spot in 2009. Novak Djokovic could make a real run at No. 2 if he wins the Open as well as pushing Federer into the third-seeded spot for the Australian Open. Could you imagine, when did Federer last have to look for his name other than the top spot – 235 weeks, that’s how long.

HOT

Andy Murray: After winning his maiden Masters Series title this month Murray has to be one of the favorites although a poor showing at the Olympics and a question about his commitment to fitness over two weeks at a Slam puts his chances at risk. Prediction: Quarters

Novak Djokovic: Although he is having a quite summer in terms of titles, Djokovic always seems to step it up nicely in slams. If he can get past Nadal or Federer in the semis then look for him to lift his second slam. Prediction: Finals

Juan Martin Del Potro: Yes, a long shot but the teenager has gone on a 16-0 run on the hard courts and picked up three ATP titles. He will be tested physically over two weeks and run into stiffer competition soon. Prediction: Quarters

Rafael Nadal: Nadal has never been past the quarters at Flushing Meadows but he is having a career year and playing lights out. He is starting to complain about the schedule again as he has done in previous years and he has played at least 15 more matches than the other top 5 players. Prediction: Semis

Roger Federer: Not playing at his highest level in four years but you cannot count out the 12 time grand slam champion. He has the experience and game to win him the title, He has made two finals and a semifinal in the slams this year, slump? Prediction: Champion.

NOT

James Blake: Not having a great summer on the hard courts and this is where he usually shines. He has just beaten Federer for the first time in eight tries at the Olympics but I do not see the J-Block carrying James past the round of 16 this year.

Andy Roddick: Injury has really slowed the career of Roddick this year from the French Open to last week where he came back and made finals (lost to Del Potro) in LA. I see Roddick going out in the round of 32.

David Ferrer: Ferrer made the semis last year but has been very quite on the hard courts this year. He had a career year last year and I do not see him making it past the fourth round this year with no weapons except for his wheels.