U.S. Open 2009: Weekend Thoughts from a Developing Major

MarkOskar RandmaaSep 7, 2009

The U.S. Open has turned the corner to head into the second week, a week reserved for the elite players of the tennis world. While it has some unlikely characters, and some inspiring newcomers, it also has a lot of who we'd expect to be there, and this is all good. Too much of the expected can be a bad thing. This edition of the Open doesn't have this though, most of the story lines we want still exist, and some pleasant surprises arrive to put a stamp on the future of tennis. Let's take a look at what developed over the weekend.

One of the biggest stories with the women is the return of Kim Clijsters. She is playing inspired ball out there, looking like she never left. The defeat of Venus instantly gives her the cred to become a real threat to win this thing, however she's staring a head on collision with...
Serena Williams, has lost seventeen games in four matches thus far. She's only really had a slight test (if you want to call it that) in round three against M.J.M. Sanchez. With the exception of a true showcase match for women's tennis against Clijsters looming, Serena still holds favorite and can put another stamp on who is really the best female in tennis.
Melanie Oudin, Oudin, Oudin...Where do we begin? I actually won't begin. Enjoy watching her, but don't worry, she'll be around for many years to come. Awesome stuff.
Ladies Match of the day - Kuznetsova Vs. Wozniaki. Russian Bear squares off against the Vikings daughter. I like this one, both are flying under the radar and I wouldn't be surprised at all if one of these two are heading into the finals next weekend (Sorry Oudin). While we all talk about Oudin, I ask, when is it the Danes turn to really break on through?
Men's Match of the day - This is a pretty tough call. There are four solid matches to watch today, however I'm picking Davydenko and Soderling. Hmmm, Russian Bear and Viking theme today? We have the upstart Swede against "Gamblor" (See "The Simpsons"). I got Soderling on this one, and so should you.
Honorable mention goes to Isner and Verdasco. Isner was a rock against Roddick mentally and physically. He really could have crumbled with the crowd in Andy's court, his body looking tired at moments, and his in-experience weighing heavy. Give the young giant loads of credit though, he dug deep and showed some serious mental toughness taking it 7-6.
Speaking of Andy Roddick, how difficult it must be to genuinely bring his game back to an elevated level in 2009, but also be handed such brutal (difficult) defeats. Tight matches, including the tightest of all time at Wimbledon. It's encouraging, but oh so painful. What did Jelena Dokic say the other day? Something about how many times you get back up (not how many times you fall)...
Doubles watch: Bryan brothers and Nester/Zimonjic remain on collision course for the finals showdown. Folks, these four athletes are the best doubles players in some generations. Get it on the television CBC! Write about it Jon Wertheim and Co.!
Someone at CNNSI noted that the McEnroe commentating duo was not quite right, and they are great on their own, but together slightly awkward. I 100% agree with this assessment, however I would be surprised if they couldn't figure each other out over time to make it one of the more interesting pairs in commentating. As for Pam Shriver, uh, let's forget that one.
Go take a look what's in store for the entire round of 16 with the men. There are still a host of mega-stars with a potential quarterfinal that could look like this: