US Open 2005

Women's Singles
Defending Champion: Svetlana Kuznetsova

Quarter I

Defending champion Svetlana hasn't been playing well, being upset early in her recent tournaments. While nobody expected her to win last year, she comes in this tournament
with that same expectation - perhaps she can squeak in a couple of rounds without being noticed. I'm looking at an all-Russian final four here, with Alicia falling by the wayside due to injury.

Maria faces Eleni (who slew Justine in the opening round of Wimbledon), and with that very suspicious chest injury, she just might bow out early. It's funny to be seeded #1 in the tournament where she has fared the worst. :D Still, the wishes of the papparazzi will be granted - Maria can stay.

QF Match: Maria vs Svetlana

Quarter II
Kim has just lost one match all year in North America. She already nabbed 3 Tier I tites, and why not add that Grand Slam (finally) to the list. Honestly, 4 years of wishing for a Grand Slam should make one tired for her, but she's just so nice, isn't she?

Two Williams sisters and a beauty named Daniela round up the rest of this quarter. This sisters have been on a decline, with Serena just not feeling it, and Venus, not following up her surprise Wimbledon crown. Daniela on the other hand, has the confidence, and momentum going into this Slam, but surely, that wouldn't be enough to beat any of the sisters.

QF Match: Kim vs Venus

Quarter III

It's about time that Mary Pierce prove her mettle with the young ones on court. With her best showing in recent years and a recent Tier I event in her trophy case, Mary has the
momentum, and finally the confidence and fitness to make it to the final 8. She's going to face Justine in R16, and it's going to be match of that round (next to the Williams Sisters Show, since this is going to be in NYC).

I will be repeating what someone said about Amelie in the previous Grand Slam: If she doesn't make it to the quarterfinals, she probably doesn't deserve her ranking. But sure would like to see Anastasia trump her in that round.

QF Match: Mary vs Amelie

Quarter IV

While Lindsay's back has been giving her problems, I'm sure she won't be complaining with her draw. Let's all cross our fingers and hope that she won't face any injury, or be
exhausted from playing the tuneup before Flushing Meadows.

QF Match: Elena vs Lindsay


-----------------------------------------------------------


Men's Draw
Defending Champion: Roger Federer

Quarter I

How can one bet against Federer? I mean, really. A promising match in 4R would be against Ferrero, whose form is improving, only to be unlucky with the draws. Well, that's the real challenge for him then - to produce a good upset to lift his rankings. Sorry, but it ain't going to be here.

Further down this quarter is either Davydenko or Nalbandian. The Russian bowed out early at Pilot Pen, so I do hope he gets some rest. Like we all know, Nalbandian is one of the few Top 20 players with a winning record over Federer, but has been playing quite spotty during the hardcourt swing.

QF Match: Federer vs Nalbandian

Quarter II

I would have to disagree that Hewitt has a tough draw; or at least his road to the quarters. His only probable roadblock would be Taylor Dent - should it be a repeat of the Wimbledon matchup, sure would hope that this would be exciting.

Safin's draw - now that's a tough one. Mirnyi (who probably is more keen on winning doubles), Henman, Ancic and recent AMS semifinalist Mathieu. Throw in Safin's very unpredictable play, then this would be one big circus.

QF: Hewitt vs Safin

Quarter III

Poor Robby Ginepri, there was a lot of room available on this third quarter and still he snags a second-round match with Roddick. Should he make another upset, there is Gasquet waiting at R16.

A different story waits on the upper half of this quarter where Coria, the highest seed has had poor results of late, along with Puerta and Lopez whose only string of wins came from their respective Slam breakout appearances. For picking's sake, I'd go with Lopez.

QF Match: Lopez vs Roddick

Quarter IV

Things don't come easy for tennis' new 'IT' boy Rafael Nadal. Rusedski, Blake (who will eliminate one or the other on the first 3 days of the tournament), Johansson and Grosjean.

From here on out, I will be cheering for Agassi. I hope he stays healthy and ga
rners enough points to make in to Shanghai by Nov.

QF Match: Agassi vs. Nadal