My Men's Pick: Novak Djokovic (1st seed, Serbia)
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| via Khelnama |
Generally speaking, Novak Djokovic is the world's best hardcourt player. He is nowhere near the sure thing Nadal is on clay or Federer once was on grass but he is the top gun on the surface. However, an unexpected storyline has emerged this summer as Nadal has gone on a tear, claiming the titles in both Montreal and Cincinnati, beating Djokovic in the semis of the former. It will be a barn-burner of a final if they both make it. While he's not the player he once was, I still think that if both men show up in top form, Nadal wins. But the question with Nadal at this stage of his career and his season is always how well the knees will hold up. I think Djokovic takes the prize this time. For the record, I'd love to be wrong on this one.
My Women's Pick: Victoria Azarenka (2nd, Belarus)
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| via wallfive |
As always, the top-seeded Serena Williams is unstoppable if she plays her best. But age is cruel in tennis and with 32 right around the corner, Serena can't summon her best as dependably as she once could. Azarenka, last year's losing finalist, is her biggest threat. She is one of very few women on tour with even a chance at matching Serena's power. Azarenka has won two Australian Opens so far. I say she adds the US Open to her Majors tally this year.
Interesting... plus you need to add in the weather hot, humid and possible rain ?
ReplyDeletePersonally I would like Murry and Serena to win.
cheers, parsnip
Adverse conditions, in my experience, only helps to weed out the pretenders. Even with vigorous shaking, the cream rises to the top.
DeleteI am supposed to support Andy Murray and although I think he is a great tennis player who I have watched from a 16 year old there is something that doesn't quite 'click' for me with him. Rafa is my favourite although I also cheer for Novak and I would rather like to see Del Potro win again if he stays injury free. I agree Victoria Azarenka is the leading young female and I can only watch her with the sound turned off! Caroline Wozniaki could have a chance but she hasn't got the fire power that the others have. With the time difference I can watch the US Open live in the evenings - great stuff.
ReplyDeleteAs great as they are as players, I doubt Murray or Djokovic will ever match the broader appeal of Federer/Nadal. With the latter rivals, so much of the respect they have earned comes from the way they comport themselves as human beings. The younger two have grown on me but it took a long time.
DeleteDel Potro, on the other hand - love that guy and love his game. Tennis only benefits when he's in top form.
I'm with angryparsnip. I would like Murray and Serena to win. Doesn't mean I necessarily think they will win though.
ReplyDeleteAnd, like Sally, I can only watch Azarenka with the sound off.
Watching tennis for me always involves judicious use of the mute button. It's not just the screeching. Color commentary from John McEnroe (among others) can be unbearable.
DeleteI think Serena's got it again this year...she has momentum, she's in the US and she's top-seeded. It's hers to lose. She may falter somewhere else, but not this time.
ReplyDeleteI hope.
:)
-Michelle
A first round match isn't too much to go on but so far so good.
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