US Open Qualifying 2012: Wayne Odesnik Is Best American Hope to Reach Grand Slam
The American hopes are few and far between in the qualifying field. The 20th-seeded Wayne Odesnik is the United States' best hope at qualifying, but even he faces an uphill battle.
The 5'11" left-hander has played in two US Open tournaments, but he's never been passed the second round. Odesnik should be used to uphill battles. The once disgraced tennis player is trying to make a name for himself for something he can proud of.
Odesnik was caught with eight vials of HGH (Human Growth Hormones) in his luggage in Australia, per Bonnie Ford of ESPN.
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He had to sit out seven months after his suspension was reduced from two years, per Reuters. The entire incident didn't exactly sit well with his fellow players.
Once Odesnik returned and played well, Andy Murray was asked if Odesnik was the comeback player of the year. In a tweet, via Steve G Tennis, he replied:
"@stevegtennis absolutely not!
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 25, 2011"
It doesn't seem as though Odesnik will have a ton of supporters, and that won't help his already slim chances.
His road to the qualifying final—or semifinals—could require him to knock off the second seed.
In his third match, if the tournament bracket and seeds stay true to the rankings, he would face Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene. Bedene is the second-seed and one of the brightest young stars in the world.
He just turned 23, and this could be the tournament that launches his career to the next level.
This is his first US Open competition, but I have a feeling he may turn into a bit of mainstay in this, and other Grand Slams.
Igor Sjisling of the Netherlands is the top seed, and he is the most dangerous player in the qualifying draw.
He turned 25 last week, and he is playing in his first US Open. I expect 2013 to be a solid year for him, and the momentum could hit another level with a win in the qualifying tournament.
Odesnik will certainly have his work cut out for him.
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