Top 10 Things to Watch for at the U.S. Open

This year, the likes of John Isner, Andy Roddick, and particularly Mardy Fish hope to prove to the world that the U.S. can get the job done on their home court. It won’t be easy though, as there are sure to be some wild rides, 5-set thrillers, and heart-breaking losses. What should you be watching for when the players take court on Monday? Here you go, the top 10 things to watch for at this year’s U.S. Open.

None of us want the weather to play any part in disrupting the Open, but when it’s a possibility, it’s okay to keep an eye on the forecast. The storm is expected to brush the east coast throughout the weekend, effecting Flushing Meadows throughout the day Sunday and into the morning hours of Monday. No worries though, things are expected to be ready to go for that first match and if forecasters are right, there will be no disruptions on opening day.

We’ve seen a lot of the top players cite injury when bowing out of recent tournaments. Mardy Fish has shown discomfort in his feet, Djokovic was done after a set and a half because of a shoulder injury, and Thomas Berdych could’t go on against Djokovic because of a shoulder injury as well. Nadal has always had trouble with his knees and every match he gets through puts more wear and tear on his body. Let’s hope no injuries play any part in the matches at Flushing Meadows and we can watch a full, healthy two weeks of great tennis.

The top seed in the Men’s and Women’s draw are very different. Novak Djokovic is in line to complete a stellar year that can almost only be dreamed of. Sitting at 57-2, the Serb waltzes into New York as the top seed and heavy favorite. Don’t look for him to disappoint either as he won’t meet much of a challenge until the quarterfinals where he may have to get through Gael Monfils. The women’s side is a different story. Caroline Wozniacki will most likely face former U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round, should she advance that far. Wozniacki has been known to bow out in the early rounds of grand slams. Although last year she was able to reach the semis, and the finals in 2009, she comes in as the top seed and is not the favorite to win. We’ll have to watch to see if she can live up to that number 1 beside her name.

Serena Williams is back in form and that doesn’t bode well for the rest of the field. Number 4 seed Victoria Azarenka will have to deal with Serena in the third round should they both win a couple of matches. Should Serena move on, she could meet Ana Ivanovic in the next round and 7^th seeded Francesca Schiavone in the quarter-finals. She does have a tough road to travel, but it can certainly be done with the way she’s been playing as of late. Having won the tournament in Stanford and the Rogers Cup, Serena looks to stay hot for the next two weeks.

Don’t look now, but the Men’s draw is packed with potential upsets and I’ve selected a few dark horses that I expect to make their way through the draw. You wouldn’t think a #5 seed would be considered a dark horse, but I look for David Ferrer to make a run to the finals and get by Nadal in the semi-finals. With a relatively easy draw until he gets to the quarter-finals, Ferrer should be able to take care of business and get in rhythm hitting that big ball to take down Nadal. Juan Martin Del Potro should also not be overlooked as he is a former U.S. Open champion and certainly has the ability and game to beat anyone on tour. If he can control his emotions and stay healthy, he may be making another run at the title.

We all want it. We all need it. Please, somebody step up, take the American torch in your hand, and run with it. With the last American to win the title being Andy Roddick in 2003, Americans are yearning for another hometown kid to flex their muscles. The list this year seems a little more hopeful than in years past. Mardy Fish enters the tournament hotter than anyone and is slated to make a run. Andy Roddick, John Isner, Sam Querrey, Robby Ginepri, Steve Johnson, Michael Russel, Ryan Sweeting, Ryan Harrison, Bobby Reynolds, James Blake, Jack Sock, and Alex Bogomolov Jr. round out appearances to be made and a pretty good list of players hoping to make an impact. I look for Isner’s big serve to take him into the second week and I hope that Roddick can pull things together to make a run. Don’t count out Alex Bogomolov Jr. as he is playing very well and can cause some damage. So, from this list I’d like to think we have a pretty good chance at landing an American champion.

It always happens. Big names go down early. Here’s a few I think will have a tough time getting through the early rounds. Andy Murray will more than likely play a red-hot Robin Haase and I think that spells trouble for the Brit. Although Murray’s game is best suited for a big hitter, he better be careful not to have a hiccup in this potential second-round matchup. Seeded at #13, Richard Gasquet will meet a lot of talent in the early rounds in Stakhovsky, followed by the big serving Ivo Karlovic or Fernando Gonzalez. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gasquet fall early.

At the U.S. Open, Novak has fared well, but he hasn’t been able to break the barrier and win the title. Reaching the finals and losing in 2010 and 2007, Djokovic looks to come to New York this year and take the crown. The top seed will need to be in top form like he has been all year to get through past champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. I’ll be keeping an eye on Novak’s play and will look for him to dominate the field. 


#2: Will Federer Regain Form?

If there was ever a time for Federer to succeed and find his form, this is it. Flying a little under the radar this year, Roger looks to quietly make his way through the draw. He is not expected to win the title, but don’t tell him that. Winner of 5 consecutive U.S. Open championships from 2004-2008, Fed looks to add some hardware to his collection come September 10^th. I’ll be watching (and hoping) for Federer to climb back into form and impress us all once again with his brilliance on court.

Rafael Nadal doesn’t make excuses. He doesn’t care that he’s not the favorite. He doesn’t care he’s not playing his best tennis. He has one thing in mind and that is defending what is his. Rafa dealt easily with Djokovic in last year’s final, but don’t expect the same should that scenario be presented. My guess is Nadal is entering this tournament hoping to fire on all cylinders, but hey, who isn’t? We'll see if he can defend his title over the next two weeks.

Be sure and check out the U.S. Open from August 29^th-September 10^th to catch all the action and keep up with the Top 10 things to watch for at this year’s U.S. Open.