U.S. Open Tennis 2012: Underrated Players Poised to Make a Statement

In the 2012 U.S. Open, stars like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Serena Williams are sure to please the crowd and make it deep into the tournament, but there are a couple of underrated players that could surprise everyone and make a run at the title.

Here are two players that could make some noise in the 2012 U.S. Open.

Brian Baker

The odds of Baker winning the title are about, oh, slim to none; but that doesn't mean he isn't capable of making a statement in this tournament.

One upon a time, Baker was considered to be the top American tennis prospect, but then every sports phenom's worst nightmare turned into reality as injuries plagued his career and prevented it from ever taking flight.

Numerous injuries and surgeries prevented him from ever reaching his potential. The Tommy John surgery he endured in 2007 forced him to leave the sport for nearly six years, but now he's starting to make a comeback.

If Baker is able to make any noise during the U.S. Open, he'll become the feel-good story of the tournament and emerge as one of the better comeback stories in recent memory.

Ana Ivanovic

Ivanovic has somewhat fallen from grace since her heyday as the top women's tennis player in the world from 2007 to 2008. 

She is currently ranked 12th WTA World Rankings, so that does make her a contender for the U.S. Open this year, but how much of a chance does she really have at winning it all?

Ivanovic has been drawn to face off against a qualifier in the first round, and if she's able to win that match, she'll advance to face either Sofia Arvidsson or Kimiko Date-Krumm in the second round. 

However, can Ivanovic return to her old from and make a run at the title is the burning question. 

It was only back in March that Ivanovic defeated Caroline Wozniacki at the Indian Wells Masters, and the two will happen to face off again in the fourth round of the tournament, barring they both make it that far.

Ivanovic's only 24 years old, mind you, and has proven that she's capable of overcoming some tough opponents. She certainly isn't the favorite by any means, but she's someone to keep an eye on if you're looking for this year's underdog.