The final Slam of 2008 is underway on Monday! 
Rafael Nadal is officially the World #1 and I must say it looks a bit odd seeing him on top of the draw. He will most likely face Phillip Kohlschreiber in the third round which could prove tricky and he’ll probably then go on to play Tomas Berdych next however given how much of a headcase Berdych is perhaps Karlovic is the more likely opponent. Nadal has never gone beyond the Quarter Finals in New York and his 11-5 W/L record is clearly his worst record at the Slams. However given his success this year I really don’t see anyone causing him troubles until at least the Semi’s where he should run into the in-form Andy Murray.
The bottom half of the draw is once again loaded, especially the top half. Roddick, Gonzalez and Djokovic are all there as are young guns Tsonga and Cilic. One of my new favourites Ernests Gulbis will face Thomas Johansson first up and should he win he’ll face Andy Roddick. An extremely tough draw however I give him a chance to cause a massive upset as I don't rate Roddick. Federer’s draw is pretty easy and he shouldn’t have any problems until at least the QF stage however given his recent form perhaps Andreev could cause him troubles in the 4th round should the two meet.
The pick of the first round matches is Gasquet v Haas and it’s a shame it’s a first round match. James Blake v Donald Young could also be an interesting encounter or it could prove to be a one-sided affair. Lleyton Hewitt is out of the tournament after undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery.
As for the women, Ivanovic will face Dushevina first up but will then play Aussie Casey Dellacqua in the second round which is disappointing. Mauresmo looms in the third round but I doubt anyone fears her these days. The Williams sisters are both in the bottom half of the top half of the draw and will probably meet in the Quarters. The only chance that doesn’t eventuate is if Radwanska knocks off Venus and Vaidisova beats Serena, both likely 4th round matches.
I’ve been pumping her tires up all year and Sorana Cirstea faces Safarova first up, a tough match and if she does win she’ll then meet Kuznetsova. Tough draw, no real expectations. Wozniacki v Azarenka in the third round will be a great match as both are tremendous talents. Nothing else really that interesting, except young Aussie Jessica Moore will face American wildcard Melanie Oudin first up which is a great chance for her to get a win at a Slam.
The tournament begins on Monday night at 1:00am. Not the greatest of hours but my IQ will be getting a lot of work and I can't wait!
Rafael Nadal is officially the World #1 and I must say it looks a bit odd seeing him on top of the draw. He will most likely face Phillip Kohlschreiber in the third round which could prove tricky and he’ll probably then go on to play Tomas Berdych next however given how much of a headcase Berdych is perhaps Karlovic is the more likely opponent. Nadal has never gone beyond the Quarter Finals in New York and his 11-5 W/L record is clearly his worst record at the Slams. However given his success this year I really don’t see anyone causing him troubles until at least the Semi’s where he should run into the in-form Andy Murray. The bottom half of the draw is once again loaded, especially the top half. Roddick, Gonzalez and Djokovic are all there as are young guns Tsonga and Cilic. One of my new favourites Ernests Gulbis will face Thomas Johansson first up and should he win he’ll face Andy Roddick. An extremely tough draw however I give him a chance to cause a massive upset as I don't rate Roddick. Federer’s draw is pretty easy and he shouldn’t have any problems until at least the QF stage however given his recent form perhaps Andreev could cause him troubles in the 4th round should the two meet.
The pick of the first round matches is Gasquet v Haas and it’s a shame it’s a first round match. James Blake v Donald Young could also be an interesting encounter or it could prove to be a one-sided affair. Lleyton Hewitt is out of the tournament after undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery.
As for the women, Ivanovic will face Dushevina first up but will then play Aussie Casey Dellacqua in the second round which is disappointing. Mauresmo looms in the third round but I doubt anyone fears her these days. The Williams sisters are both in the bottom half of the top half of the draw and will probably meet in the Quarters. The only chance that doesn’t eventuate is if Radwanska knocks off Venus and Vaidisova beats Serena, both likely 4th round matches.
I’ve been pumping her tires up all year and Sorana Cirstea faces Safarova first up, a tough match and if she does win she’ll then meet Kuznetsova. Tough draw, no real expectations. Wozniacki v Azarenka in the third round will be a great match as both are tremendous talents. Nothing else really that interesting, except young Aussie Jessica Moore will face American wildcard Melanie Oudin first up which is a great chance for her to get a win at a Slam.
The tournament begins on Monday night at 1:00am. Not the greatest of hours but my IQ will be getting a lot of work and I can't wait!
