#Rafa Opens Social Lead

Women’s No. 4 seed Maria Sharapova stays strong while Rafael Nadal continues to hold onto his lead in the Social Leaderboard Quest.

Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four | Day Five | Day Six | Day Seven

Our US Open Picks

After a summer of magic and drama, we have arrived in New York (and with a woman named Irene no less!).

Novak Djokovic has only lost two matches all year! It’s amazing to think about when I used to use two matches in a single day in my high school matches. Serena (and hopefully Venus) return to the court to hopefully find their New York magic. The lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium have a way of doing that.

In Cincinnati, we saw the results of a long, winning season. Djokovic had to retire in his match against Andy Murray with a shoulder injury. Does that impact his chances? And for the women … does anyone want the No. 1 ranking? I mean … seriously!

So, here we go. Slip on your drama-filled clothes and let’s get it on! You can also review how good our predictions were for the Australian Open, the French Open and the proper event that is Wimbledon. You can also see my guest blog on Down The Line about the US Open’s implications on the rankings.

Four questions to ponder for the men:

• Who will come out on top between Nadal and Djokovic?
• Does Federer have one more in him?
• Is there another man outside the top three that wants to be remembered?
• American men? Will we see one into the second week?

Four questions and a request for the women:

• Does Caroline Wozniacki actually want to be No. 1?
• How will Serena do and what does that say about women’s tennis?
• Are we seeing the changing of the guard?
• Is Maria Sharapova back?

		Joel’s Pics	Jonathon’s Pics	Richard’s Pics
Women Finalist Record 2011		2-4	0-6	2-4
Champions Record 2011		0-3	0-3	1-2
Women’s Finalalists		Victoria Azarenka vs. Marion Bartoli	Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova	Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
Women’s Champ		Marion Bartoli	Maria Sharapova	Maria Sharapova
Men Finalist Record 2011		2-4	2-4	0-6
Champions Record 2011		1-2	1-2	0-3
Men’s Finalalists		Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal	Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray	Roger Federer vs. Andy Murray
Men’s Champ		Novak Djokovic	Novak Djokovic	Andy Murray

Tell us … who are your pics to win it all?

Wimby Predictions

We have finally arrived at Hallowed Ground that is Wimbledon. SW19.

We are already halfway through the Grand Slam season and with their month-long break about to come, we are here in London, on the grass and a rumoured Royal appearance by the newly minted, Princess Kate.

It came as a surprise, but Roger Federer beat Novak Djokovic and made it to another final only to be beaten down by Rafael Nadal. (In fact, I won 25 push-ups on a bet in the match and have 50 riding on 127 gentlemen that Federer does not win the title in London!) On the women’s side, Marion Bartoli has made a mid-summer surge and the Williams sisters … are back!

So, here we go. Slip on your classic whites, and lets play some tennis! You can also review how good our predictions were for the Australian Open and last months French Open. You can also see my guest blog on Down The Line about Wimbledon’s implications on the rankings.

Four questions to ponder for the men:

• Will Mahut exercise his demons from last year against Isner?
• Can Nadal keep the No. 1 ranking?
• Does Tomas Berdych fall off the map completely?
• Will we see a fifth singles champion in 28 majors (Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, Juan Martin del Potro)?

Four questions and a request for the women:

• What will the Williams sisters actually do?
• And … if they do well (reach the finals or better), what does that say about the women’s game?
• Can Caroline Wozniacki live up to her No. 1 ranking … and do something?
• Is Maria Sharapova back?

		Joel’s Pics	Jonathon’s Pics	Richard’s Pics
Women’s Finalalists		Maria Sharapova vs. Vera Zvonareva	Serena Williams vs. Vera Zvonareva	Marion Bartoli vs. Petra Kvitova
Women’s Champ		Maria Sharapova	Serena Williams	Marion Bartoli
Men’s Finalalists		Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray	Novak Djokovic vs. Juan Martin deo Potro	Andy Murray vs. Roger Federer
Men’s Champ		Andy Murray	Novak Djokovic	Andy Murray

Tell us … who are your pics to win it all?

Women’s Fashion – AO Style

Last week we profiled the sub-par men’s spring fashion and now, to end the year, we are looking at the future of women’s tennis fashion … at least the spring and early summer lines.

While not her biggest fan, this make-up for Serena would have rocked down-under.

Just like Serena, Oudin's new Wilson outfit (she just left adidas) will match well with the blue courts of Australia.

Her adidas piece from Stella is pretty flat, although a new look for all the majors is a good start for Woz.

Again ... just look at the colors! They don't work with the blue! Come on Nike!

Should be an interesting fortnight in Melbourne. (Aces to Tennis Identity for the leads on all these new looks.)