Unpredictable is the best word to describe this year’s U.S. Open. But, I think it’s more a continuation of the reaction I had to Wimbledon – the sport of tennis is all over the place anymore – Ladies first…

Serena Williams won the women’s final and until the final, I was sure she would win. But, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus stunned me. My plan was to watch the first set or so, then get on with my day. Didn’t happen. I ended up watching the hole thing because Azarenka damn-near won.

That’s significant because, in all of Serena Williams’ previous matches, she blew those girls away in straight sets. No contest. It’s why I wasn’t otherwise compelled to plan the full final match into my day – I just figured, because of how Serena was playing, it would be another straight sets match. And it started out that way, but, by the second set, Azarenka turned it around.

Both took a set 6-2, then in the third set, it was war. A war Azarenka almost won. She got to match point in the fifth, but, Serena took the set. They traded games until five, then Serena held on to win three in a row. Crazy. And this was the only match played by Serena that appeared to challenge her. I don’t know if the ladies playing on the circuit today are just not that formidable or if Serena really is at the top of her game. Either way, the excitment only revealed itself in the final and not before.

I think that’s why Victoria Azarenka was ranked number one in the world. She properly defended her position if no one else did… She’s one to watch…

I said the same of Andy Murray about a year ago and now, he’s the U.S. Open 2012 champion. He beat Novak Djokovic. And while the ladies’ play was not so challenging to watch, the men were the opposite. After Wimbledon, I said we’d have to wait to see who the men’s true star is now and I think it’s Andy Murray. Notice I said I think…

For sure Murray is on a wave of success right now having made it to the finals for Wimbledon, won gold at the London Olympics and now won the U.S. Open. Almost a grand slam. Give him time – he’s young, he’ll get there…

But, the story here is all of the runner’s up – Berdych, Ferrar, Djokovic and the biggest stunner of them all – Roger Federer. I just don’t know who’s on the upswing of their career and who’s on the down. Federer lost to Berdych in the semi-finals after winning Wimbledon and Olympic Silver. I thought he was back in play despite his critics suggesting he’s old and winding down. While it seems like his inconsistency could suggest he’s getting old and tired, I’m not giving up on Roger Federer. He’s not done yet. Rafael Nadal on the other hand – opted out of the Open, which, clearly created a very different dynamic for the men. Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have been the subject of my quandry – who’s still in the game and who’s on their way out. The only person I’m sure is out is Andy Roddick. Okay fine, I don’t get any points for predictions, his clear announcement to retire was a dead giveaway… 🙂 But, congrats to Roddick for getting a few more strong wins in before calling it a day…

But the trio in question might want to make room for some new talent. Berdych and Ferrar are making their debut in regular tennis conversation – Juan Del Porto too. Their play was admirable and like Andy Murray a year ago, making their move. Berdych gave Djokovic a full match; An indication that BERDYCH is on the move, not Djokovic is losing it. And Ferrar held his own agains Murray who is clearly the best player in the world right now.

So, congratulations to Andy Murray for getting that much close to a grand slam and congratulations to Juan Del Porto, David Ferrar and Tomas Berdych for bringing the pain and keeping tennis alive…