by Matt Stillman
 
There are 2 types of people: Those that love the US Open, and those that don’t yet know they do. Get ready, our nation’s biggest (most attended, highest revenue producing) sporting event begins Monday.

So you’re not currently a fan, that’s alright. Here’s how you get acclimated. Watch an evening match during the week. Why? This is tennis without the usual niceties. The game’s biggest stars play in a huge stadium in front of a rowdy New York crowd and things frequently get edgy. You’ll see why tennis is frequently compared to boxing. It’s one-on-one, there are no substitutions, very physically and mentally demanding. Plus, there’s no place to hide. Don’t look for Andy Roddick or Andre Agassi however, they’re no longer playing.

Oh, you’re already a fan? Excellent. Then let’s discuss the fields. The men’s tour is nearing the end of it’s golden age (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and recently Andy Murray domination of the sport). The GOAT has been struggling with injuries and age (32) and now has a #7 ranking. Federer is still going to be the crowd favorite and a player to watch. But the top contenders this year are the other three. All have won here previously with Murray being the defending champ. Nadal is the hottest player right now after winning in Cincinnati and Montreal. Djokovic is the world #1.

American to Watch- #13 John Isner, the 6-10 serving machine.

Talented Players to Watch Who Will Not Win the Tournament- #25 Gregor Dimitrov (aka Baby Fed, aka Sharapova’s boyfriend) and Estonian billionaire’s son and quote machine #30 Ernests Gulbis. Outsider Who Could Surprise-2009 champ #6 Juan Martin Del Potro My Pic to Win- Novak Djokovic

What about the women? 

Serena Williams is always the most talented and accomplished in the draw. Crazy that she’s still the favorite after winning here 14 years ago. Maria Sharapova dropped out a few days ago with a shoulder injury, but she wasn’t going to beat Serena anyway. Last year’s runner up Victoria Azarenka (aka Vika and former girlfriend of LMFAO member Redfoo) flies under the radar, but is an excellent hard court player and took down Serena in Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago. #5 Li Na is the highest paid female athlete in the world. That’s what being the first Chinese tennis player to win a grand slam title will do for you. Maria Kirilenko and Ana Ivanovic are always worth watching.

American to Watch- Yes Serena, but also her Twitter rival, the up-n-coming #15 Sloane Stephens

Talented Players to Watch Who Will Not the Tournament-#3 Agnieszka Radwanska and #16 Sabine Lisicki Outsider Who Could Surprise-Li Na My Pic to Win- Vika Azarenka

So whether you’re a lifelong tennis fan, or someone sampling the Open during during the dog days of baseball, waiting impatiently for the NFL begin, tune in, marvel at the athleticism of the players and the enormity of the event, and enjoy the drama.