Hurricane Irene came and went, with minimal damage to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Now it's time for another event to consume NYC, the US Open. Many people from around the U.S. and the World will flock to New York City to see the world's best fight it out for a New York minute, or in this case, a New York fortnight.
Play starts Monday, but before you go and watch you favorite players play, while throwing things at the wall when they miss-hit (Federer Fans), or scream when they play poorly in finals (Murray Fans), or Fear when they grimace in pain that their career may be cut short (Nadal fans), or just smile when they continually pummel opposition (Djokovic fans), you may want to know Chat Tennis' picks for the Men's and Women's winner, Dark Horse (outside top 10), and Early Exit (inside top 10, losing before 2nd week) and Men's doubles Champs, just for fun.
Here we go...
Mens Winner:
Roger Federer d. Andy Murray
Federer has had a tough year, but the highlight of his year, so far, is the semifinal victory over then unbeaten Novak Djokovic in the French Open. Although he only has 1 title this year (Doha in January), Federer is constantly in the mix and hasn't lost in a Grand Slam before the 2nd week since 2003. Amazing. He is one of, if the THE, Greatest Players of all time. All time. Not his generation, all of the generations.. EVER. 'Nuff said.
Womens Winner: Maria Sharapova d. Serena Williams
Sharapova is coming off a stellar Wimbledon run, losing in the final to Petra Kvitova. Finally back from injury and fit again, both Williams and Sharapova will make the final, but Sharapova will prevail. I think Sharapova wants to impress her new hubby Sasha Vujacic, and she will in NYC.
Mens Dark Horse: Juan Martin del Potro
Delpo has had a rough couple years after beating Federer in the U.S. Open final in 2009. Making his come back this year, he burst on to the scene and started to win right away (Estoril). Tough seeding in majors had him out relatively early in Wimbledon (tough match against Djokovic ). I think he'll have another good run in NYC, and who knows, he could win it.
Womens Dark Horse: Sabine Lisicki
Sabine Lisicki had an early exit in the French Open, having been carried out on a stretcher after collapsing upon losing a tough long match. She turned it around at Wimbledon, reaching the late stages of the Major. I think she could go a long way in this tournament. A hard-hitting, powerful player is tough to deal with, but add that to smart tennis and endurance, you're nearly unbeatable.
Mens Early Exit: Robin Soderling
Swedish engineering. The powerful viking that is Robin Soderling has proven he can beat the best (only man to beat Nadal at French Open, knocked out Federer the next year), the only problem is that he's been hurt most of the year, and lost early in Australia to Alexandr Dolgopolov. Coming off an injury, Soderling will lose early.
Womens Early Exit: Vera Zvonareva
Vera is a streaky player, either going deep in tourneys or losing early, or melting down. She's never won a major, but has been in the final a couple of times. She, like Andy Murray folds under the pressure of the biggest of big stages. She's good, but her head isn't really there right now, like Marat Safin's throughout his career.
Mens Doubles Champs: Bob & Mike Bryan
Twins rule.
Only time will tell who the US Open champ will be, but after careful consideration, I believe that these picks are correct. Federer and Sharapova will be champions again.
Who do you believe will win?
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