US Open 2011 Tennis Predictions: Open Awaits Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal Final

Roger Federer has dominated the U.S. Open and made it his Grand Slam throughout the past decade. With Rafael Nadal's recent victory in last year's final to capture the title for the first time, it wouldn't exactly be surprising to see the top tennis rivals go at it again this year.

However, Novak Djokovic has been on top of the game (and its rankings) and has proven himself to be the biggest threat in the sport currently. With a 57-2 win-loss record this year alone, it would make sense for the odds-makers to label him the favorite to win the tournament. But, he has endured a shoulder pain (now turned injury) for the past few weeks and was easily put to bed by Andy Murray in the final of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

Nole is still able to pull off wins when playing poorly and below his abilities—this was showcased in the final of the Rogers Cup against Mardy Fish (who also didn't exactly play his best, although the week brought out a great performance from him).

But, how can a sub-par Djokovic take out Roger Federer AND Rafael Nadal (also add Andy Murray to that list) in the same tournament? The simple answer is: he cannot.

Each and every year I make a fantasy predictions bracket for the Grand Slams, and for last year's U.S. Open I was tied for second place at one point for the women's draw (and somewhere around 200th place for the men's draw—keep in mind that over 7,500 contestants were entered in each).

This year's draw looks very tough for Roger Federer early on (although I don't think he will bow out prior to the semifinals, even if he faces Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals) as well as painfully difficult for Novak Djokovic. This means that Nole could even lose before facing Roger, although this also seems unlikely. But, in tennis: you never know.

Rafael Nadal's draw isn't exactly a piece of cake, but I would be shocked to see him not make the final (and that is a very bold statement).

Sadly enough, I picked Andy Murray to lose in the fourth round (please don't get mad, Murray fans—it's a sheer prediction).

So, if Roger brings the fire that the New York crowd can give off to him, I believe he can take out Novak, or make the final if the No. 1 player does not make it far enough. This year's U.S. Open should have Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal playing each other in the final, which would also satisfy every tennis fan's one major request for a match-up.

For those that want to inject their own thoughts about this article, feel free to comment (in good spirit) below.

Also, if you are curious to see the projected draw I came up with for this Major, click here (keep in mind that I am only a human and that I may get every single pick wrong, so please do not shoot me down for making educated guesses—although I usually do well with predictions.)

This article was written by Jeff Cohn, a sports writer and enthusiast.