ALEX WHEELER previews the US OPEN

 

US Open
Flushing Meadow, New York
SKY

MURRAY TIME AGAIN ?

Men’s
Right ladies and gents the US Open is nearly upon us. Now the draw has been laid out in front of us it makes it a bit easier to decipher where our pennies are going. Before we start I’d like to point out my track record in the last US Open. I was Murray’s biggest fan last year and he’s the player who we’ll start with first.

Once again, you just have to back Murray at 4/1 in places! First and foremost he’s the defending champion. Yes, in the last 5 years there’s been 5 different champions but that doesn’t mean the boy Murray can’t defend his title. In that period the defending champion has got to the final 4 times. Murray is the man of the moment. If you include last year’s Olympics he’s been in 5 of the last 6 slam finals prevailing in 3 of them! His draw doesn’t look overly tricky either. He should Berdych in the quarters and Djokovi or Del Potro in the semis. Berdych did just beat him in Cincinnati but you know Murray will raise his game at the slam.

Of the other main contenders Rafa is in the best form. He’s won the two warm up tournaments in convincing fashion and is a worthy 2/1 Fav.

However, I wouldn’t go backing him just yet as his draw is not as straight forward as it may seem. Round 3 could be a rejuvenated Verdasco and round four the best chance of a home winner in John Isner. Isner also pushed him all the way in the recent Cincinnati final. For me you just have to back Isner @ 66/1. It’s a huge price for a man with a monster serve and in very good form. The home crowd will also see him through any 5 setters!

Another big price player who is a bit of value is Jerzy Janowicz @ 80/1. His quarter of the draw is very weak with the two top 8 seeds being Gasquet and Ferrer. This is the quarter where you can get a bit of value with someone sneakingthrough to the quarters. Raonic is another option @ 100/1. However, look no further than the current nation’s sweetheart Andy Murray!

Women’s
In the women’s it always centres around one lady – Serena. She’s an 8/11 favourite. For me I just can’t back her at that price. Yes, she’s been in fantastic form this year…..only losing four matches! However, when it comes to a grand slam I just can’t take odds on when there are younger and hungrier players out there. I’m by no means saying Serena isn’t hungry for titles anymore, it’s just the likes of Azarenka and Radwanska really need to start winning some slams.

Azarenka has two Australians to her name and got to the US final last year. She beat Serena in Cincinnati and I firmly believe she can go one better this year. Her half of the draw is slightly easier with Kvitova the only danger in round 4. Back Azarenka @ 3/1. In the top half of the draw Serena has a real breeze through to the 4th round. Betting against her I’d back Sloane Stephens @ 40/1 and Lisicki (her Wimbledon conqueror) @ 66/1.

Recommendations:
Murray @ 4/1
Isner @ 66/1
Azarenka @ 3/1
Stephens @ 40/1
Lisicki @ 66/1