US Open Preview - Men's

As many of you know, the US Open began yesterday. Since Greg and I are preparing to go on a golf trip, neither of us got the opportunity to post our tennis preview. So here it is, one day late...

Heading into to this year's US Open, there are a lot of stories for the men. One of the biggest is not who is playing, but who is not playing. That person is Rafael Nadal. His injuries have finally caught up with him, so sitting it was something he must do. There is real concern that he may never be the same player again. A sad thought for someone who has been so great for the game.

In terms of who is here, Murray is trying to win his first slam. Coming off his Olympics gold, a title here is probably his best shot yet at a major. Wimbledon champion, Roger Federer, comes in though as the heavy favorite, after winning in Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago. It's still a little weird that he is world number one once again at this tournament. It's been a while since he's been seeded in the one spot here. The former number one, Novak Djokovic, is also trying to win his second major this year.

American men may not be among the favorites, but it is their own tournament. The guys with the best chance are Isner, Querrey, Fish, and Roddick. Brian Baker is another that has performed well off and on, although he's been quiet this summer. Of them all, Isner will advance the furthest, and could be a darkhorse for the title. He did win last week in Winston Salem.

As for the draw, Djokovic is the big winner, because Murray and Federer are both on the other side of it. But, he may have a tough 4th round match in Wawrinka. Then, a tough quarterfinal vs. Del Potro or even Andy Roddick. His semifinal could be fourth seeded Ferrer. So although none of those players are apart of the "Big 4," they do present challenges.

Federer has a very tough draw though in comparison. Verdasco, Fish, Berdych could all be opponents before his semifinal clash against Murray. That's tough sledding, even for the greatest of all time.

Murray will only have one tough opponent before that rematch in the semis, and that's Tsonga. He'll get through that though and to set up the dream semi. In fact, of the three favorites, I believe he has the best draw to get to the final weekend. But he has the toughest once he gets there.

So who will come through it all to win... NOT a member of the big 4 (or big 3 since Nadal is out). I think we will finally see somebody new win a title this year. I am bold, so I'll predict John Isner. But it's more likely somebody like Tsonga or Berdych. Even Del Potro could win again here. But I can't go against an American at our tourney though... Git 'er done big man!

I know I will likely not be right, but I got to change things up. It's too easy always picking Team Fed. For Greg's analysis, view the comment section. Most importantly, enjoy the tourney cause it won't happen again for another year.

Andrew