Why Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will fall - and Novak Djokovic will meet Andy Murray in the US Open final

Ok I know that lots of matches are yet to be played before my predictions can come true, but my observations are based on the very few matches completed and that few practice matches I got to see. Here we go;

1. Rafael Nadal - Not only will he not make the semis but he will fold up at the first hardcore resistance he meets, in other words, any guy who can take him to five sets or wins the first two sets from him will defeat him.

Right now he's just riding on sheer will power and some great talent BUT he has no juice. He's tired and will not go beyond quarters, especially because he will end up meeting either James Blake or David Nalbandian in the quarters and, particularly if he ends up meeting Blake, he'll lose.

2. Roger Federer - Everyone and the media in general is going all gaga over his first win and saying that he's back on track based on how he played against Maximo Gonzales BUT I'm not buying it. He's still hitting many erratic shots, playing in a somewhat casual fashion and not closing out the points and to top it, still refuses to admit that he needs a strategy and/or game change.

Even though his side of the draw should easily take him to the semis, I'm so unsure of him that I put him into semis gingerly. At the moment, though, I don't see him overpowering Novak Djokovic in the semis so that should be the end of the road for him. If, however, it is Andy Roddick who ends up defeating Djokovic and meeting Federer then I give him a 60/40 chance.

3. Novak Djokovic - So far looking good but he's mentally a wee bit less sure than he was at the end of '07 and start of '08. The early exit from Wimbledon has definitely made a dent on his psyche and both he and his opponents know that he is vulnerable. He does have enough though to make it through to semis. He will be looking at some potential good opponents like Marat Safin (revenge time!) and Carlos Moya. Even the quarters could be against Roddick and that will be a tough test.

4. Andy Roddick - So far I have only seen his first match and he came out looking the best of the entire lot of players, but again, even though Fabrice is a very good player, he has his on and off days so I'll give Andy 75 out of 100  for that match and that's a high rating from me. To me he's got an easier draw and than makes him potential semis candidate. He is capable of defeating Djokovic, especially if he can take him to four or more sets. Djokovic's stamina to me is a real question mark and smart players should be able to use that fact to their advantage. Irrespective of that, though, I don't see Roddick winning the title.

5. Andy Murray - looking good and impressive early but not hugely impressive... or let me further clarify - Andy will certainly fly into the quarters because the most tough opponent he will meet is Wawrinka and though he is playing well, Murray should have a slight edge. Again he's potential semis candidate to me because he's capable of defeating Ferrer or lets say Ferrer is capable of losing to Murray. Make sense? To me yes, to you I don't know! Based on sheer determination he could find himself be an a very good situation.