As Cincy Approaches...

Murray, having overstepped Nadal on Sunday by 500-something points (partially due to the fact that he played two extra tournaments this year) lands him about 2,000 points behind Federer. With the 1000 Masters already kicking off in Cincinnati and rumors suggesting Federer might not play, it might leave Murray a little closer to Fed, that is if he can surpass Nadal again (this is the only 1000 Masters Nadal hasn't contested the final for). That said, its hard courts season, meaning anyone can turn the tables with a hard hitting forehand and smashing serves.

But lets focus on the last two games of this Series. Obvious contenders:

Andy Roddick: You can't help but feel sorry for him after his tragic defeat in Wimbledon and the weeks to follow. He's complained about the U.S. Series, pulling out the old “That’s just, you know, at the height of not using common sense.” Ok, so he's not the most eloquent of the lot, but he's referring to the fact that the type of balls used are changed in every tournament. Granted, it sounds inconsequential, but its really not when you're serving between 122-132 mph. Roddick, the new American favorite, is hoping to heir Sampras (a little late for that) and Agassi; and will definitely enjoy home-ground advantage. This is also the best Roddick has played since 2004, when he happily settled at No. 2. He wins some 90% of his service games, but that's no reason he shouldn't be working on his return. However, all said and done, he's matured in his game, in his stamina for longer rallies and his general state of mind (the way he took his defeat in Wimbledon, despite the fact that Federer just got lucky); an applause is well deserved.

Rafa: After he missed (or rather was missed) at Wimbledon with his tendinitis, Rafa returned in complete form, hitting the ball whilst running and sliding (which on a hard court isn't humanly possible, so we thought) and gliding his shots into position. He's always someone to watch for. His unexpected early departure from Montreal left us craving more, but more he shall undoubtedly give. If not here, definitely at Flushing Meadows, where everyone ups their game.

Murray: Cincinnati promises to be tough on Murray, as his body seemed to be giving in at the end of his final in Montreal. If he manages to cling to his position at No. 2 a little longer, New York promises to be that much more exciting.

Cincinnati ending on the 23rd of August and the Grand Slam starting barely a week later, this ought to be a great end to the month. Its never been this unpredictable. Already at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters: Karlovic has defeated Monfils, Ferrero (sadly) is on his way out, giving way to Cilic, Andreev beat Keifer 6-1, 7-5 and Lubicic, Ferrer and Safin are all on to the next round.

Only Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, and Andy Roddick have won the Canadian and Cincinnati Masters back-to-back. But come New York, the tables will turn as they always do in a Grand Slam, leaving Fed and Rafa untouchable. But how Federer has been playing (or generally not playing) seems to reflect badly on his game as a whole, possibly resulting in my dream come true and Safin taking up a final title as he gracefully exists the game *sigh*. But if Federer regains consciousness, he will set another record, six consecutive US Opens. Is Nike is working on that jacket?