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- Sep 12, 2011
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Let's start with climate change. Australia has had a stifling heat wave, one day Sydney reached 108 degrees. Happily temps have cooled down considerably and the next few days promise moderate weather. Still we know the players won't escape with no hot days over a 2 week tournament.
Our players may be physically fit for 40 minute indoor hoops, but a 5-setter that some of the men will encounter is a multi-level beyond.
The men:
We still have a big-3 among the guys, but the personnel has changed. No Rafa(still out with injuries)
but now a legitimate Andy Murray, who, by virtue of winning the Olympics and the US Open, belongs in the company of Novak Djokavic and Roger Federer. Expect the 3 to be fit and motivated.
Of the others, David Ferrer, now Spain's best with Rafa's absence, has been remarkably steady for years, but he's yet to get over the hump of beating the top players. If he makes the semis, he will prevail only if his opponent has a bad day.
Always interesting is Argentinian Juan del Potro. He's still finding his form, and his stamina after a wrist injury kept him off the circuit for most of 2011. But fans know he once relied on his powerful forehand to conquer Federer in the US Open. He's got potential to crack open the top guys.
For America, this tourament is forgettable. Our 2 highest ranked guys, John Isner and Marti Fish are out with medical issues. Sam Querry is this nation's best hope but is unlikely to last beyond week one.
The women:
Unlike the men, Americans have a true champ in Serena. It's hard to argue vs. her being the favorite, even with a #3 ranking, brought about by lengthy time off with health issues, Ranked above her are
Maria Sharapova & Victoria Azaranka. Serena may cruise until the semis, where she is scheduled to meet the top ranked Azaranka. Serena prevailed vs Victoria in the last US Open, but it was no walk in the park. Victoria did serve for the title last September, but blew it. However Azaranka is the defending champ here, but has a poor overall record vs. Williams.
With Maria, one watches for her double faults and stroke-spraying. If she keeps that down, she's in it. Tennis fans will keep an eye on Radwanska as another player who bears watching, as she has strong play leading up to this tournament. Fifth-ranked lefty Angelique Kerber also could make noise.
American tennis fans will be hoping that Sloane Stephens & Madison Keys continue their up-and-coming ways, for they must repace 2 sisters who have each won 5 Wimbledons, among other victories.
And speaking of the other sister, the schedule has Venus on the court a bit past 7 tonight. There's always bouncing around of TV coverage in the early rounds, but hopefully we may see much of Venus' match. And hope her Sjogern's Syndrome allows her to perform at her best.
Our players may be physically fit for 40 minute indoor hoops, but a 5-setter that some of the men will encounter is a multi-level beyond.
The men:
We still have a big-3 among the guys, but the personnel has changed. No Rafa(still out with injuries)
but now a legitimate Andy Murray, who, by virtue of winning the Olympics and the US Open, belongs in the company of Novak Djokavic and Roger Federer. Expect the 3 to be fit and motivated.
Of the others, David Ferrer, now Spain's best with Rafa's absence, has been remarkably steady for years, but he's yet to get over the hump of beating the top players. If he makes the semis, he will prevail only if his opponent has a bad day.
Always interesting is Argentinian Juan del Potro. He's still finding his form, and his stamina after a wrist injury kept him off the circuit for most of 2011. But fans know he once relied on his powerful forehand to conquer Federer in the US Open. He's got potential to crack open the top guys.
For America, this tourament is forgettable. Our 2 highest ranked guys, John Isner and Marti Fish are out with medical issues. Sam Querry is this nation's best hope but is unlikely to last beyond week one.
The women:
Unlike the men, Americans have a true champ in Serena. It's hard to argue vs. her being the favorite, even with a #3 ranking, brought about by lengthy time off with health issues, Ranked above her are
Maria Sharapova & Victoria Azaranka. Serena may cruise until the semis, where she is scheduled to meet the top ranked Azaranka. Serena prevailed vs Victoria in the last US Open, but it was no walk in the park. Victoria did serve for the title last September, but blew it. However Azaranka is the defending champ here, but has a poor overall record vs. Williams.
With Maria, one watches for her double faults and stroke-spraying. If she keeps that down, she's in it. Tennis fans will keep an eye on Radwanska as another player who bears watching, as she has strong play leading up to this tournament. Fifth-ranked lefty Angelique Kerber also could make noise.
American tennis fans will be hoping that Sloane Stephens & Madison Keys continue their up-and-coming ways, for they must repace 2 sisters who have each won 5 Wimbledons, among other victories.
And speaking of the other sister, the schedule has Venus on the court a bit past 7 tonight. There's always bouncing around of TV coverage in the early rounds, but hopefully we may see much of Venus' match. And hope her Sjogern's Syndrome allows her to perform at her best.
