Quick US Open Preview

A few quick thoughts on the US Open.

Men

I think there's three who can win: Djokovic, Murray, Federer. Roger is in the best form but this is a major and he can't seem to get over the hump at them anymore.

Wawrinka or Nishikori could get hot and spoil the party.

A ways down to Nadal, then another big ways down to anyone else.

Women

It is Serena's tournament to lose, but I keep going back to the fact that she lost 5 sets at the French Open to think that she is beatable.

Halep is the clear second favorite, thanks to her nice US Open series, but she's still well below Serena.

Then there is everyone else.  I fell like Bencic or Bacsinszky or even a Stephens or Tsurenko is just as likely to win this title as Sharapova or Kvitova or Ivanovic.  If Serena and Halep lose early, they almost have a draw ceremony to determine the champion.

-I feel like the American men are poised for a few good stories, someone is going to make the second week (I hope)
-The American women seem to be taking a few steps back, save Stephens.  I expect that to continue although the sheer volume would allow for a few upsets and maybe 4 or 5 in round 3.  Gone are the days of all these exciting young players with lots of upside springing upsets all over the grounds at a major.

-Dark horses: Ernests Gulbis and Daria Gavrilova