Rob McLean - US Open preview
The last Slam of the season is always keenly anticipated and the Flushing Meadows extravaganza in New York is particularly intriguing with Andy Murray at his favourite Slam and on the threshold, so to speak.
Murray has recently been featured in the world's most influential fashion magazine, Vogue, looking mean and moody. The publication is edited by Anna Wintour, the New York-based British editor and tennis fan who has cultivated a friendship with Roger Federer. 'Nucleur' Wintour as she is known is often seen in Federer's camp at tournaments but maybe with her finger on the pulse is sensing a changing of the guard and is moving in on the Scot.
Many people of my age will have their first memories of the event inextricably linked with Jimmy Connors. Connors won it five times and one of the greatest moments was not during any of those victories but in his last hurrah in his extraordinary run to the semi-finals in 1991 aged 39 (check out a point against Paul Haarhuis on youtube).
Federer is 29 and what's the betting he will still be playing there, like Connors, at the same age in 10 years' time. He says he wants to go on and on and last week's win in Cincinnati is yet another reminder to those of little faith regarding the Swiss.
Murray's form at the moment is as good as it gets, notwithstanding his defeat to Mardy Fish in 100-degree heat. He has nothing to fear against any of his rivals as long as he can be consistent over five sets.
Mad dogs and Englishmen - in his case a Scotsman - do go out in the midday sun and he is now convinced he will finally have his day in the sun. Murray was forced to do it three times in sweltering conditions in Cincinatti and believes he is better for the experience.
He was slightly miffed at having to play at those times but no tournament is ever going to favour a foreign player regarding scheduling unless they are a multiple Grand Slam winner. Tim Henman was on Centre Court for almost all his Wimbledon career despite his lack of Grand Slam achievement. It's called home advantage.
Murray has had the perfect build-up, a first title for the year and lots of matches, but not too many. One London radio commentator said Fish, who has gone from small fry to big fish, had Murray's number. Fish leads 4-3, they have never played in a Slam..I don't think so.
There are only three players who can win the US Open. Federer, going for his 17th Slam, Nadal and Murray, who are both aiming for their first US Open.
Former champion Lleyton Hewitt, the No 32 seed could cause a surprise or two. Hopefully two other Brits, Alex Bogdanovic and Jamie Baker will make it through the qualifying.
In the women's event there are five Brits battling to make the main draw. Should any of Naomi Cavaday, Laura Robson, Heather Watson, Katie O'Brien, and Melanie South get through they will join Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha and there could be an opportunity to shine in what is a very open field.
There is no injured Justine Henin or Serena Williams, big sis Venus has hardlly played recently (although that doesn't mean much with her record) and a plethora of Russians can't make up their minds if they are ever going to win a Grand Slam. Another who has never won a big one is the Dane, Caroline Wozniacki, who is the No 1 seed. Kim Clijsters and Maria Sharapova look like the favourites.
Date published :
25 Aug 2010 - 13:13:25
