US Open: Men's Singles Preview

              Who will rise in Rafa's absence?


The world number one ranking has recently fallen back into the lap of Novak Djokovic, cemented by his win at Wimbledon. His return to the top is enough to give the Serb favouritism at this years US Open, but with a few early losses at the lead up tournaments, it's anything but a sure thing.

The positives...Novak's biggest rival, Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the tournament, giving Djokovic a clearer path to the title.

Another positive, Novak has always performed well in New York. He has reached the final the last four years in a row (only winning one title however).

... Alas, there are speed bumps ahead.

Novak Djokovic - Source: Zimbio
 

The in form player heading into this years tournament will be none other than Roger Federer himself. His win in Cincinnati was classic Roger; confident, artistic and innovative.

The Swiss master came close at Wimbledon. But it makes me wonder if his body can keep holding up over five-sets against players like Djokovic. Federer can outplay Djokovic for sets on end but the Serb's ability to stay in matches and out-last opponents will be tough to beat.

"His win in Cincinnati was classic Roger; confident, artistic and innovative"

Andy Murray is a brilliant hard-court player. Whilst his form hasn't been great lately, he is a two-time grand slam champion and this counts for a lot. Not only that, the Brit knows how to win at Flushing Meadows.

It'll all be about motivation for Murray, when he is into matches and focused, not a lot of men can stand in his way. He does have a tendency to lose concentration, get down on life and lose his way. Which Andy Murray will turn up in New York?

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga blew the competition away in Toronto, it was snap shot of what the flashy Frenchman can really do. Consistency is the key, and at 29-years old, Tsonga is running out of time. I would have to say that he isn't stable enough over five-sets and seven matches.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - Source: Zimbio

Stan Wawrinka has failed to live up to the hype after his title win at the Australian Open, however he is returning to hard-courts here and this could reignite the magic. I won't be betting on it though.

Other contenders include; David Ferrer, the underpowered Spaniard doesn't match up well to the top players. Milos Raonic is due for a breakthrough soon, but is just too raw at the moment. Look for Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov is impress again in New York, the talented mini-Federer needs some more years in the legs to really challenge for the top though.

While Djokovic and Federer will go in as joint favourite; Djokovic's fitness and consistency will get him over the line.

US Open: Women's Singles Preview

               Can you really look past Serena Williams?



She's arguably the greatest of all time, she's arguably the most intimidating female athlete on the planet and she will be more determined than ever at Flushing Meadows to win her eighteenth grand slam title.

Serena Williams always finds another gear at the US Open, she loves performing well in front a boisterous New York crowd. The American is having a sub-par year compared to her lofty heights but the evidence does not lie, with her five past appearances at the US Open resulting in three wins, a final and a semi-final.

 

"She's arguably the most

intimidating female athlete on the planet"

 

She's also hitting form at the right time, winning two titles to clinch the US Open series (rewarding the best player throughout the warm-up events with extra cash if they win the US Open).

For new world number-two Simona Halep, this year is all about breakthroughs...her highest WTA ranking, her first grand slam final. She's athletic, she's quick and she has the right temperament to win a grand slam.

She has all the skills, but does she have the raw power necessary to break through the grand slam wall?

My guess is that at the US Open, no. It will take a special player to beat the little Romanian, she will go deep.




Simona Halep - Source: Getty Image

It's been an odd year for the now five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova, she's become a clay-court specialist in many ways, a far cry from her younger days when attempts on the dirt were nothing but awkward.

Sharapova sits on top of the singles race for the year largely due to her wins at Roland Garros and Madrid and I think she'll give Serena a real shake in New York. She has the raw power to trouble anyone.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and finalist Eugenie Bouchard have both struggled since the title decider in Britain. I don't expect either of them to feature in the US decider. It's a lack of consistency that will plague both youngsters here.

Petra Kvitova - Source: Zimbio

One player that has no problem with consistency is Agnieszka Radwanska, one of the most skilful female players we've ever seen.

The Pole will need the bigger, more powerful girls to falter in order to win.

Other contenders we have include Venus Williams, playing better this season, but perhaps not well enough to string seven wins together in tough conditions. Ana Ivanovic can beat anyone at her best, but will struggle with consistency. Victoria Azarenka has always been one of Serena's biggest rivals, but the Belarussian is still coming back from injury and will need some more time to be at her best.

All eyes are of Serena Williams... again.