Setting Up The US Open

The US Open of Tennis begins today in New York. After careful analysis of the draw, the following is a list of potential must see matches in the upcoming fortnight. Mark them in your calendar now!


Third Round (Beginning Saturday September 5)

Roger Federer (1) vs. Lleyton Hewitt (31)

Two Grand Slam champions will face off very early in the tournament due to Hewitt’s low ranking at 31st. If nothing else, the Aussy should provide a strong early test to Federer’s fitness.


Round of 16 (Beginning Monday September 7)

Andy Roddick (5) vs. Fernando Verdasco (10)

Verdasco has guts of steel, as he showed at the 2009 Australian Open, playing in the semi-final against the eventual champion, Rafael Nadal, in what would go down as the longest match in the tournament’s history.

Rafael Nadal (3) vs. Gael Monfils (13)

Frenchman Monfils is very fast, and Nadal’s fitness is an unknown. We will find out a lot about Rafa’s status during this match.


Quarter Finals (Beginning Wednesday September 9)

Novak Djokovic (4) vs. Andy Roddick (5)

This is must see TV. The pair faced off in the quarter-finals last year, and it ended with Djokovic being booed off the court by the New Yorkers.

Rafael Nadal (3) vs. Jo-Wilfred Tsonga (7)

Being the third seed makes the road to the final a lot tougher, and Nadal’s shaky knees may not be able to carry him that far. Tsonga is a powerful hitter who will pose all sorts of problems to Rafa.

Andy Murray (2) vs. Juan-Martin Del Potro (6)

So far in his career, Del Potro has been described as an inconsistent underachiever. But he’s only 20, and if he’s underachieving, he can only improve. This will be a great test for last year’s finalist, Murray.


Semi Finals (Saturday September 12)

Andy Murray (2) vs. Rafael Nadal (3)

If all goes according to plan, next Saturday will be brilliant. Andy Murray will square off against Rafael Nadal in a battle of 2 versus 3. If Nadal is healthy, this will be an epic.

Roger Federer (1) vs. Andy Roddick (5)

About 305 million Americans and I are hoping that Roddick defeats Djokovic to set up this rematch of the Wimbledon final. Federer and Roddick have played some unforgettable matches at Flushing Meadows over the years, and this will match will be a classic.


Finals (Sunday September 13)

The predictions stop here. Whoever plays in the final, we will all be watching.