Hurricane Nadal

Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Roger Federer, Bjorn Borg, Andre Agassi, Boris Becker will all be humbled in a couple weeks by superstar phenom Rafael Nadal. None of these players won the French, Wimby, and the Open in a calendar year. The last was Rod Laver's Grand Slam in 1969. Nadal owned the French from day one. He conquered grass through strength and will. One year ago Federer left the Open as champion and known as the greatest player of all time, just short of the Sampras' record. Fed became the first player to win the Open four years in a row along with Wimby. In 2008 Federer has only won 2 of 14 events he has entered. Nadal is just more motivated than Federer. Nadal takes cold showers before matches. Between points he will not touch the lines similar to a baseball player. He changes racquets every eighth game, and keeps two water bottles, one cold and one warm under his chair. He asks for three balls everytime when serving and gets rid of one. Jimmy Connors is quoted saying that "Nadal plays like he's broke." I dont know if that is true, but it sounds hilarious. It's tough to make a prediction in the womens' game. The serbians will probably be in the finals. Keep an eye on Safina, Williams Girls, and Dementieva (Olympic Gold).

Authors Predictions...Rafael Nadal and Jankovic. Your Predictions?...

U.S. Open Details...
When: Monday through Sept. 7
Where: Flushing, N.Y.
Men's top seed: Rafael Nadal
Women's top seed: Ana Ivanovic
2007 men's champion: Roger Federer
2007 women's champion: Justine Henin
Highest-seeded U.S. men: Roddick (8), Blake (9)
Highest-seeded U.S. women: Serena (4), Venus (7)
TV coverage: USA, CBS
Online: usopen.org