Roddick gets best of U.S. Open draw
The potential for the most super of all Super Saturdays at the U.S. Open disappeared with Thursday's announcement of the men's singles draw.
Tennis fans were salivating at the prospect of a semifinal clash between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to go along with the other men's semi and the women's final on September 12.
However, top seed Federer and No. 3 Nadal were pitched in opposite halves of the bracket, with the Spaniard lined up for a possible meeting with Britain's Andy Murray in the last four.
Andy Roddick, meanwhile, should be happy with how things have turned out for him, with the American avoiding quarters with Federer, Nadal and Murray. Roddick could instead face Novak Djokovic, the fourth seed.
On the women's side, we can forget all about an all-Williams final, with Serena and Venus drawn in the same half.
Let's look at four matches not to miss in the opening round:
1. Rafael Nadal vs. Richard Gasquet
Nadal returns to Grand Slam tennis after a 10-week injury absence, seeking to re-establish his dominance on the men's tour. But talented Frenchman Gasquet has a point to prove as well after serving a drug ban earlier this year.
2. Ana Ivanovic vs. Kateryna Bondarenko
Countless male fans will be desperate to see Ivanovic progress deep into the tournament, but they could have their hearts broken early. Bondarenko is in fine form and is more than capable of an upset.
3. Novak Djokovic vs. Ivan Ljubicic
Ljubicic, who rose as high as No. 3 in the world four years ago but has struggled of late, is still capable of pulling off the occasional shocker. Djokovic is sometimes a slow starter in majors and will need to be in good form if he is to avoid a difficult opening round.
4. Serena Williams vs. Alexa Glatch
Williams is looking to add her third major of the year but comes into the tournament in patchy form. Glatch, 19, has a big future ahead of her and will not be scared by the mighty Serena.
