After Novak Djokovic beat Radek Stepanek on Tuesday night, in a post-game interview, Darren Cahill asked him if he’d like to hit a little with his new coach, Todd Martin. Djokovic declined but pointed up to the broadcasters booth and issued a challenge, “How about John!” Speaking of course to John McEnroe, the retired tennis legend.

Surprisingly, the 4 time U.S. Open champion accepted the challenge, and while he changed shoes, Cahill gave the “Djoker” the opportunity to do an impersonation of McEnroe. New Yorkers were exposed to a side of Djokovic’s personality that has disappeared of late. A change that was likely due to the weight of expectations that followed winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2008.

To see the video clip, click here.

Today, Djokovic will play 10th seed Fernando Verdasco for a semi-final date with Roger Federer. Hailing from Spain, and playing left handed as well, Verdasco looks like the second coming of Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic will definitely have to be on top of his game to have a chance in this one. If you're not stuck at work, make a point to tune into this one.

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.