2002 US Open Preview - Singles Draws

AJ Chabria

With the 32 seed system, form seems to hold true more often that in the old days. However, there will always be lots of intriguing early round match-ups.

The first few days of the men’s draw:

Juan Carlos Ferrero versus big-serving Aussie, Wayne Arthurs in the first round. They wear the same clothes, but the contrast in styles will be hard to miss. Wayne’s the lefty with the one-handed backhand. He’ll be at the net at least half the day.
Paul-Henri Mathieu versus Fernando Gonzalez in the first round in a clash of two youngsters who have beaten Pete Sampras recently. Mathieu is the French all-courter who led Agassi 2 sets to love in the 4^th round at Roland Garros this past June. Gonzalez is one of the biggest hitters on the tour.

Taylor Dent could get a shot at Andy Roddick in the 2^nd round.
Mark Philippoussis versus Fabrice Santoro -- a Mutt and Jeff possible 2^nd rounder. Talk about a contrast in, well, everything. These guys have practiced together in the recent past, too. Fun match to watch, for sure.
In a match Captain Pat McEnroe will surely sit down for: Phil Dent’s kid, Taylor could get a shot at America’s Kid Andy Roddick in the 2^nd round.
Two of the late summer’s form horses may clash in the second round: Rusedski and Paradorn Srichaphan. Look for short points and lots of momentum changes.
In what could have been a Slam semi circa ’98, perennial gamer, Jonas Bjorkman will battle the amazing Marcelo Rios in the opening round.
Jiri Novak, the 14^th seed takes on the resurgent Richard Krajicek in the 1^st round. The winner of this could get to the second week.
For one of the few times in his career as a professional, 5’9” Hicham Arazi will absolutely tower over an opponent. Let’s hear it for Olivier Rochus of Belgium Both guys have explosive games, mellifluous backhands, French-speaking fans worldwide and well-deserved reputations for taking down the big guys in Slams. Allez!

The first week in the women’s draw:

Alexandra Stevenson versus Anna Kournikova, a natural foe one of the show courts.

The winner of the Corina/Serena first round encounter is likely to face Dinara Safina, who is currently known for her famous brother who won this thing 2 years ago. Pretty soon, Dinara will be known for her big, flashy game.
Tabloid toss-up: Alexandra Stevenson versus Anna Kournikova in the second round. If they get that far, the good folks at the tournament desk will surely put that one on one of the larger show courts.
I’d personally love to see the brightest star in women’s college tennis, Wake Forest’s own Bea Bielick (a local) find her way to the third round to meet Justine Henin in a battle of gorgeous backhands.
Roland Garros’ surprise semifinalist, Clarisa Fernandez may earn a match with Jelena Dokic in the second round. Fernandez has the game to slow Dokic down a notch.
France’s darling Amelie Mauresmo is likely to get to the third round to face the Swiss veteran Patty Schnyder. Both have almost too much imagination on the court as they’ll try to outdo themselves with all the magical spins and angles they can conjure. If the errors don’t get in the way, look for some amazing points in this one.

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