On the women's side things are more wide open than ever. Take away defending champion Justine Henin, who retired, and that opens things up for more new title contenders.
Maria Sharapova, the reigning Aussie Open champ, has won here before and has the goods to do it again. Injuries have slowed her down a bit this year, and I just don't think she's match-tough enough to win here this year.
Jelena Jankovic has been lingering at the top of the women's game for the last two years. She's had plenty of chances to make her move, but hasn't quite kicked it in gear yet. She'll play well, but don't look for any additions to her trophy case.
Venus and Serena Williams are always contenders in any tournament they are in. For my money, Serena Williams is a better player than anyone on the women's tour.
The problem is, she's been injured and out of shape at times over the last few years. If she's feeling good and moving well, the title is hers. However, if she's not in tip-top shape, there are too many hungry women ready to take her down.
As for big sis Venus, if this were a grass court, she'd be the odds-on favorite. She played well early this summer to win another title at the All England Club, but Arthur Ashe Stadium won't be so kind. If the two sisters meet in the quarters, I expect Serena to win this time.
Dinara Safina is someone who is finally being talked about. She's picked up a few wins this year and has really steadied her game out. She made a nice run to the French Open final where she lost to Ana Ivanovic.
She is an extremely dangerous player and if the nerves of playing seven big matches in New York don't get to her, she could be holding the silver trophy.
French Open champ and world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic looks for her first title in New York to go along with her triumph in Paris. She'll be up there with the contenders, but I'm not sure she's ready to win seven matches in a row on the fast hard courts in Queens.
That said, she's been the best player in Grand Slam matches this year. When you get to US Open, it's about being able to play in big matches. Ana Ivanovic has done just that all year long, and I expect her to be the new name engraved on the winner's trophy.
2008 US Open: Roger Federer and Ana Ivanovic
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