US Open 2010 preview

I will make a prediction that this will be a first Slam title for Andy Murray. This week he has played with a renewed urgency in Toronto and showing the aggression needed to take the final step. His forehand has more zip and I think he is finding out that the increased racket head speed actually makes his forehand safer. The man to beat will be Roger as he too has emerged with a spring in his step and a renewed energy to increase his legend and Slam total. Berdych and Nadal are the two other contenders and a rung below are Djokovic, Roddick if fit and Soderling (but not convinced he moves well enough on hard courts). Men's tennis remains a big beast of world sport as fascinating as ever. Added interest in the big serving Americans Isner and Querrey who are both capable of upsets as is Nalbandian and it is easy to realise that there is no safe bet in picking a winner.

The women remain as unpredictable as ever apart from Serena if she is fit. Clijsters is showing early form so will be a favourite and its good to see Sharapova also on the up. Maria is as hungry as any person on the planet for success and if she gets going is always hard to beat. Will Henin play? Will Venus play? I do not see them as winners but both are big characters and capable of damage. Even Ivanovic has found some form this week with a semis in Cincinnati which is good for the sport. Serena will be hard to beat if fit and into the 2nd week, but if not my pick is Sharapova.

MCTA-TEAMBATH has had a fabulous summer so far with Richard Gabb and Toby Martin gaining ATP world rankings, Gabb beating Dan Evans then going onto win U18 Nationals in emphatic fashion. Sid Hazarika won 11 straight matches to win an ITF then make final. The younger players also recorded some decent results in Europe so we can look forward to a bright future as the partnership develops. Our motivation to become internationally recognised as a premier training and touring Academy is on track.

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