MY 2011 US OPEN BETS - MEN

The  road to the US Open has been quite straightforward for the men as there are 4 front-runners for this year's title with the names of Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Murray. Now looking into the draw, here are my picks for the crown.

First Quarter: Novak Djokovic

Nole is the top seed this time around and the top ranked player as well. With a 57-2 record currently on tour and 9 tournament titles under his belt for 2011, he is truly the hands-down favorite for the crown. He has won 2 of the 3 Slams for this year and is expected to win his 3rd in 2011. His only losses this year comes from Federer at Roland Garros and Murray when he retired injured. A possible 4th-rounder with Richard Gasquet is gonna be interesting and Quarterfinals with Monfils is also a big possibility. For both matches, I still see Nole advancing.

Second Quarter: Roger Federer

I am gonna get wild on this one. I don't know but I really fancy Fish's chances in this quarter. He has shown great form going to the US Open and is currently the American No. 1. The pressure that will be put in his shoulders might be something that can hinder his progress. That being said, I go to old reliable Roger Federer. After all, he is only one of the 2 players who was able to defeat Nole in 2011.

Third Quarter: Juan Martin Del Potro

While Andy Murray is in this bracket, I am not seeing him get past Juan Martin Del Potro if ever they meet in the quarters. Question however is in the fitness of the Argentine. Delpo has the ability to dictate play in the hard courts of US and is raring to get back to the scene of his previous glory - his lone Championship in 2009.

Fourth Quarter: Andy Roddick

Nadal's fitness and current mental strength is in question and with danger players in his draw (Nalbandian, Melzer and Gulbis) he might be up for some early exit. His pre-US Open campaign has been erratic thus I need to look for someone else in this quarter. Andy Roddick has also struggled but has advanced to the Finals of his last event. And his draw is a bit friendly with no major challenges lurking in his path.