2010 U.S. Open: Editors' Picks

The editors of TENNIS magazine and TENNIS.com predict this year's U.S. Open champions:




Steve TignorExecutive Editor

Roger Federer: He's played with renewed confidence this summer, and the only guy to break him down at Flushing Meadows in the last six years, Juan Martin del Potro, isn't around.

Maria Sharapova: It's been a long process, but she?s reached something close to her best recently. No one will benefit more from Serena Williams' absence.


Sarah UnkeEditor, TENNIS.com

Rafael Nadal: The men's field is strong, but at the French Open and Wimbledon, Nadal proved himself strongest. He's been saving himself for the Open, and his career Slam, this hard-court season. And let's face it: With Nadal's determination and talent, he's bound to win the U.S. Open sometime.

Venus Williams: It's been two years since Williams won a Slam, but her quarter is looking cushy, aside from Victoria Azarenka and that pesky Tsvetana Pironkova. A 29-year-old won the French Open. Why can't a 30-year-old win the U.S. Open?


Peter BodoSenior Editor

Roger Federer: Federer reasserted his authority these past few weeks, reaching one final and winning the other (both Masters events) in the only two tournaments he's played since Wimbledon. It's a reaffirmation of his fast-court prowess, something that is still beyond the reach of his main rival, Nadal.

Victoria Azarenka: Although I like Sharapova's spirit and combative mentality, Azarenka, while certainly a work in progress, really seems to have all the goods when it comes to the contemporary women's game: Good if not outstanding movement, very clean, grooved strokes, a solid serve and power galore. If her head stays screwed on, she may break through to win her first major.


Bill GraySenior Editor

Roger Federer: I admit to cluelessness after going 0-6 on these picks so far this year. So I'm deferring to a higher authority. Here's the take from No. 8 seed Fernando Verdasco: "I will say Federer and Nadal and the third, me. I think the surface is better for Roger?it's not like really grippy, the ball doesn't get much spin, so that?s better for Roger's game. If I need to say one I'd say Roger has more chances because of the court."

Kim Clijsters: Fernando again, based on his solid reputation as a ladies man: "Clijsters or Caroline Wozniacki. Clijsters won in Cincinnati and she's the defending champion. Wozniacki won last week [in Montreal] and she's playing great. If I need to say three, it would be Clijsters, Wozniacki and Sharapova." [Note: Wozniacki and Sharapova could face off in the round of 16, but neither would meet Clijsters until the final.]


David RosenbergPhoto Editor

Andy Murray: Murray might have some trouble with Tomas Berdych, but I think he'll get by him, once again handle Nadal on hard courts, and not make it 0-3 against Federer in Slam finals.

Maria Sharapova: Sharapova has had some tough early-round draws since she's come back, and she'll play a bunch of hard hitters before meeting Wozniacki in the fourth round. She'll probably have to play Azarenka or Clijsters at the end, both of whom have beaten her this summer in finals. She has slowly gotten herself closer to her best and should peak in the final.


Ed McGroganAssistant Editor, TENNIS.com

Roger Federer: Each time Federer has won Cincinnati, he's followed it up with a trip to the U.S. Open final. When he does so again this year, don't expect another shocking loss in the final, whether he plays Nadal or anyone else.

Kim Clijsters: The defending champion shouldn't have much trouble reaching the semis. And in the final two rounds, where the stakes are highest, she'll have the mental and physical edge.

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