Across The Net: Getting After It in NY
Posted by Dan Martin on 09.04.2007
The U.S. Open through Labor Day: What Big Stories Have Developed? What Might Happen in Week II?
The Men's Draw in Week I: Seeds Holding Form and Great Matches
Top seeded Roger Federer has looked strong, but he was shaking his head after playing the first set versus 6'9" John Isner in the round of 32. Isner may soon become the most unique player on the tour as he seems more forward thinking and mobile than other players in his height range. Rafael Nadal has also looked strong after a shaky opening match that could have been his undoing. Nadal's health remains a question, but he will not play a good fast court player until the semifinals. Third seeded Novak Djokovic played a great second round match vs. Radek Stepanek. Fourth seeded Nikolay Davydenko also has played with efficiency. Fifth seeded Andy Roddick has looked sharp and benefited from two defaults.
The 2007 U.S. Open has also seen its share of 5 set thrillers. Djokovic defeated Stepanek 6-7, 7-6, 5-7, 7-5, 7-6. Tommy Robredo defeated Mardy Fish 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4. Stanislas Wawrinka defeated Robby Ginepri 5-7, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. David Ferrer defeated David Nalbandian 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6, 7-5. Tommy Haas saved three match points in beating James Blake 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 in a Labor Day thriller. These five set matches have seen players simply get after one another. It is a massive gut check to win a match of that nature on a court that holds heat and is unforgiving on joints. In a five set match in 1998, statisticians determined each player had run over 6 miles. That is 6 miles of sprints while trying to execute difficult shots with computer points, prize money and potential Grand Slam glory on the line. It is one of the ultimate mental tests in sports, and something fans are treated to frequently. Top ten players such as Djokovic, Blake, Robredo and Haas have been tested as have been guys trying to establish themselves such as Fish, Ginepri, Ferrer and Warwinka. It is a mental and physical gauntlet plus a skills test. Haas and Blake made tennis proud with an absolute bar room brawl that culminated in an incredible point at 3-3 in the 5th set tiebreaker.
Week II Predictions
My predictions for the draw have thus far looked terrible. Andy Roddick seems to be playing faster than usual and that may throw a wrinkle into his potential quarterfinal match with Roger Federer. Brad Gilbert used to like for Roddick to play fast on his serve to put pressure on the opponent to hold. Jimmy Connors might be pushing the same idea. The winner of a Federer-Roddick quarterfinal ought to have a good shot at playing on Sunday. The bottom half of the draw is a bit less clear due to being one day behind the top half and due to the health of Nadal being in question. Still, Djokovic is the best fast court player in this half. Spaniards David Ferrer and Carlos Moya ought to test Nadal and Djokovic, but this looks like Nadal-Djokovic III. Djokovic is poised to make a breakthrough after reaching the semifinals of the French Open and Wimbledon. Nevertheless, Djokovic will need to win on Sunday if he gets past the semifinal round to really announce his intentions.
2007 Women's Week I: Youth is Served and Venus is Hot
The women's draw was lopsided before the event began. Five of the six likely champions were on the top half of the draw leaving Maria Sharapova looking like a good pick to repeat. Veterans such as Patty Snyder and Martina Hingis also looked to take advantage of the friendly draw. Problem is young players are beginning to make noise and this is great for women's tennis. With the Williams sisters playing part-time tennis and Henin being less than likable, the WTA has needed the Serbian renaissance. Women's tennis also needs impressive youngsters such as Agnes Szavay and Agnieszka Radwanska to keep playing well. I still have no idea who will come out of this half of the draw, but world #4 Svetlana Kuznetsova won the U.S. Open in 2004 and might feel a bit over looked. Whoever reaches the final likely hopes Venus Williams is derailed before championship Saturday. Venus has been destroying people and seems reborn after winning her 4th Wimbledon title in July.
Serena Williams and Justine Henin face off in a quarterfinal that ought to be a classic as well. Jelena Jankovic defeated Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2006, but I would not expect Jelena to beat Venus again. Maria Sharapova's loss to Agnieszka Radwanska was most shocking. The young Polish teen played a great 1st set, but Sharapova was leading 2-0 in the final set after winning the second set 6-1. Radwanska pressured Sharapova's suspect second serve and tested Sharapova's nerve and Mrs. Endorsement lost in the 3rd round in what has to be considered a lost year. Shahar Peer of Israel then defeated Radwanska and looks like a dark horse for the title. Peer is a very smart player and employs a full time coach rather than a parent as a coach. I will take her preparation over the rest of the field's coaching.
Women's Week II: Venus' Title to Lose?
Venus Williams won the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001. Her confidence and game have not looked as good since 2001 until now. Venus is serving with massive power and controlling points with authority. Serena might have the firepower to stop her sister. Otherwise, the rest of the field needs to get every ball back into play, keep the ball low, and take pace off of the ball. Such a strategy maximizes the chances that Venus sprays unforced errors. Henin may have enough variety to pull this strategy off. Jelena Jankovic and Shahar Peer are determined enough to make Venus beat them. My guess is Venus will oblige and defeat Jankovic, Serena Williams and Peer en route to her 7th Grand Slam title. Venus is not a lock to win, but for any of the others will need to raise their game in order to beat her.
Agassi Remembered
Last year was Andre Agassi's 20th and final U.S. Open. Andre Agassi is not the most decorated player in U.S. Open history. He did however allow the fans to follow the full arch of his career. Many athletes retire with something left in the tank. Andre Agassi's back and hip were in such bad shape from decades of playing tennis that he was hobbling around the court in winning two rounds at last year's U.S. Open. The lesson for fans is clear: enjoy great champions while they are active. Many fans perhaps underappreciated Pete Sampras. The lesson for players is also clear: squeezing potential out and producing results means never having to ask "What if?" Agassi learned this lesson at the advanced age of 29. 21 year old Thomas Berdych meekly defaulted vs. Andy Roddick in what must be a loss that left more questions than answers.
