US Open Tennis 2012: Projecting Potential Upsets at Flushing Meadows

It seems that in tennis, more than in any other sport, the top stars always seem to come out on top. 

However, that isn't always the case, and won't be this summer at the 2012 U.S. Open.

With a past champion and key participant out on the men's side in Rafael Nadal, and an unproven No. 1 seed on the women's side, anything can and will happen at Flushing Meadows, the site of the season's final Grand Slam tournament. 

Here we project the top potential upsets on both the men's and women's side.

Juan Martin del Potro Over Novak Djokovic

In a match sure to produce some fireworks, the No. 7-seeded Juan Martin del Potro could face No. 2-seeded Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals this September.

Del Potro defeated Djokovic in straight sets earlier this summer at the 2012 London Olympics in the men's tennis singles bronze-medal match. Although there wasn't a Grand Slam title on the line, the result was still an improbable one.

The two men met again in the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati earlier this month, with Djokovic taking the match in straight sets. Therefore, a rematch at Flushing Meadows this summer would certainly be interesting, that's for sure.

Many tennis fans forget that Del Potro actually won the U.S. Open in 2009, topping Roger Federer in five tough sets in the final that year. Impressively, Del Potro beat Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the semifinals that year as well. 

Although Djokovic is the returning U.S. Open champion, and the favorite to reach the final on his side of the men's draw in 2012, Del Potro figures to be one player in the field capable of upsetting him in New York City.

Samantha Stosur Over Victoria Azarenka

Despite being named the women's No. 1 seed at the U.S. Open this summer, Victoria Azarenka will have to get past the reigning female singles champion just to reach the semifinals. No. 7-seeded Samantha Stosur took down Serena Williams in the final last year to win her first career Grand Slam.

Although Azarenka won the 2012 Australian Open earlier this year (her first career Grand Slam), she has yet to cement herself as the hands-down best female tennis player on the planet. 

Azarenka has never fared well at the U.S. Open during her career. The furthest she's ever been at the season's final major is the fourth round. Quite frankly, her 12-6 record on the famed hard courts isn't that promising, and leaves a lot to be desired. 

As for Stosur, it's safe to say that the Australian has figured out Flushing Meadows after making the quarterfinals in 2010 and winning it all in 2011. 

It might be harsh to say, but Azarenka may be the one who prevents this matchup from even unfolding. She will have to get past the fourth round at the U.S. Open for the first time in her career in order to meet Stosur.

Based on Azarenka's history of poor finishes at Flushing Meadows, one can certainly foresee an upset for the No. 1 seed if she is to reach the quarterfinals. 

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