Friday, August 27, 2010

Analyzing the US Open Men's Draw

Click here for the official men's draw for the 2010 US Open.

NEW YORK - AUGUST 25: Roger Federe and Rafael Nadal appear at a press conference following The Nike Primetime Knockout Tennis Event at Pier 54 on August 25, 2010 in New York City. (Photo By Al Bello/Getty Images for Nike)

First Quarter (or Nadal's Quarter)

Obviously Nadal has to be the favorite to make it to the quarters, along with Verdasco, Nalbandian, and Ferrer. I wouldn't be surprised if Gulbis made it far as well, and I'd love to see him play Nadal in the quarterfinals.

Most interesting first round match:
Gulbis vs. Chardy or Ferrer vs. Dolgopolov.

Most interesting possible second round match:
Nadal vs. Istomin (and really, Nadal should kill him...but not many interesting second round matches to choose from so if you're going to watch someone you might as well watch Rafa)

Most interesting possible third round match:
Nalbandian vs. Verdasco

Most interesting possible round of 16 match:
Ferrer vs. Nalbandian (or Verdasco)

Quarterfinals prediction:
Nadal vs. Nalbandian

Second Quarter (or Murray's Quarter)

In my opinion, Murray and Berdych are the clear favorites to reach the quarterfinals in this section. Querrey and Wawrinka are capable of upsets but they'd have to beat Murray to get to the quarters, and I can't see that happening. Berdych could have some trouble with Almagro, Youzhny, or Isner (but that's only if Isner plays and if he's healthy, which at this point seems like it won't be happening), however, I'd be surprised if Berdych doesn't make it to the quarters.

Most interesting first round match:
Berdych vs. Llodra or Youzhny vs. Golubev

Most interesting possible second round match:
Stepanek vs. Robredo (I tried to find a better one, really I did)

Most interesting possible third round match:
Murray vs. Wawrinka or Almagro vs. Querrey

Most interesting possible round of 16 match:
Murray vs. Querrey or Youzhny vs. Berdych

Quarterfinals prediction:
Murray vs. Berdych

Third Quarter (or Djokovic's Quarter)

Djokovic and Roddick should both make the quarterfinals, although Djokovic could have a tough match against either Baghdatis or Fish in the round of 16. Davydenko and Monfils are capable of playing great tennis but I don't think either of them will beat Roddick.

Most interesting first round match:
Djokovic vs. Troicki (battle of the Serbs)

Most interesting possible second round match:
Roddick vs. Tipsarevic

Most interesting possible third round match:
Baghdatis vs. Fish or Monfils vs. Roddick

Most interesting possible round of 16 match:
Djokovic vs. Fish (or Baghdatis)

Quarterfinals prediction:
Djokovic vs. Roddick

Fourth Quarter (or Federer's Quarter)

Federer should have little problem getting to the quarterfinals where he'll likely meet Soderling. Gonzalez and Cilic also have a chance to make the quarters, but they'll have to beat Sod to get there. If Hewitt is playing well he can usually do some damage, but he'll have to play Federer in the third round and I'd be shocked if he wins that match.

Most interesting first round match:
Melzer vs. Tursonov

Most interesting possible second round match:
Soderling vs. Falla or Gonzalez vs. de Bakker

Most interesting possible third round match:
Soderling vs. Gonzalez or Hewitt vs. Federer

Most interesting possible round of 16 match:
Soderling vs. Cilic

Quarterfinals prediction:
Federer vs. Soderling

Semifinals prediction:
Nadal vs. Murray
Roddick vs. Federer

Finals prediction:
Nadal vs. Federer

Winner:
Federer

2 comments:

  1. Awesome picks! A Nadal-Federer final would be unbelievable to watch. I'm really interested in seeing how Gonzo does after being gone for so long. When he's at 100% he's one to watch out for.

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  2. I can't tell if I just really want a Fed-Nadal final, or if I think it will actually happen. It would be such a great match, and it feels like it's been so long since they've played in a slam. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens...I think the USO will be the most exciting major of the year, especially with Fed playing well again and Rafa being healthy.

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