The gorilla is finally off his back, Andy Murray Major Champion!

And the stage was set! NYC, Arthur Ashe Stadium, under the lights, with history against him along with arguably the best hard court player in the world on the other side, but Andy Murray was not to be denied. Not this time! He finally came away with his long awaited, much coveted Grand Slam title. The Scot, at last, has his!

Let alone the history (last Brit to win a Grand Slam title was Fred Perry in '36) and the pressure of an entire kingdom, the actual match was epic! A 4 hour 54 minute affair saw Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic stretched out to their limits and us, the fans, stretched to ours. From the first ball hit, the windy conditions added drama to the battle. Breaks of serve were the norm while holding serve was a rarity. The fist set alone was 1 hour 28 minutes which ended in 12-10 in the tiebreaker. The question of Del Potro's/Djokovic 2nd set as one of the greatest of all times at the Open might have to take a back seat to this one. The first set set the tone for the rest of the match.

Serena US Open Champ!

Serena has really established herself as the best player in the world, but it's not by much. She pulled out a rabbit and a US Open title today by beating Victoria Azarenka 6-2 2-6 7-5 in today's final. Serena, showing how mentally tough she is, was facing defeat when Azarenka served for the match at 5-4 in the third set. Serena fought hard, broke Vika's serve, and before we knew it was down on the ground celebrating her fourth US Open title. This one has to be a sweet one as she has had her issues in NYC the last couple of years.


To put her title in perspective, Serena has now compiled 15 majors putting her only three behind Chris Evert and Martina

US Open Preview Women

Usually in the previews, I break down the top four potential contenders and analyze their road to the title.  Today, I am going to flip it all around and focus on just one woman, Serena Williams.  Three reasons why:

1) Azarenka, Kvitova, Sharapova, Stosur, Clijsters, Li Na are all in the top half

2) Serena is seen as the best player in the world by most

3) Her poor showings the last few Opens will be motivators for her

Now you can see why this will be short and brief.  Serena's toughest challenge could be Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals.  Caroline has a record of 1-5 against Serena which is not favorable.  She also pulled out of New Haven with a bad knee just today.  Huge edge to Serena.  Expect her to move on handily into the semis.

US Open Men's Preview

US Open Men’s Preview

Once the world saw Roger Federer’s name on as the #1 ranked player in the world, everything in the tennis world seemed to fall back in place.  Once we saw Rafa Nadal out indefinitely with yet another knee injury, the tennis world was once again thrown upside down.  This US Open promises to be one that could see a change in the consistency in the major scene.  Since 2004 there have only been three major champions Federer, Nadal,  Djokovic and  one surprise in Del Potro (2009 US Open).  This year we have seen the same with Djokovic taking the Aussie, Nadal the French, & Federer Wimbledon.  Andy Murray made a splash taking the Gold at The All England Club making it four different champions in 3 majors and an “honorary” major.  Will we have Federer or Djokovic take the Open or will a new face emerge?!  Let’s take a look at the favorites along with a couple of dark horses… 

Roger Federer

Roger has has an amazing year winning six titles, amongst them his 7^th Wimbledon crown.  He has reclaimed his #1 ranking, recently won, yet, another Masters in Cincinnati, has beat Djokovic the last two times they have played, and is hitting as well as any point in his career.  Who said 30 was old in tennis years?!  Roger will be looking to add 6^th US Open title and 18^th major overall.  His path to the crown can be tricky and sticky starting in the Quarterfinals.  Let’s examine…

Round 1

Donald young is coming off a 17 match losing streak…need I say more? 

Round 3

Fernando Verdasco hasn’t been the same in years and the magic he pulled off in Madrid beating Nadal won’t be enough in the fast hard courts here.  Expect Federer to move through this match, like the courts, QUICK!

Round 4

I would expect Mardy moving through to the fourth round as he has been playing relatively well this summer, especially after his health scare.  Roger just faced Mardy at Cincinnati and won rather handedly.  Expect the same here with the American fans pushing Mardy for more tennis, but happy when Federer wins.