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With one title the "Roger Federer on the decline" discourse has all but disappeared. But does that mean he's ready to surmount the Big Apple challenge?

What if Rafael Nadal does not win the elusive U.S. Open title? Do we chalk it up to his hard-court ineptitude, the New York atmosphere or perhaps just bad luck? In any case, the pressure is on.

Andy Roddick has been running on empty the past few months. But there's nothing better than a little hometown energy to get him back on track.

The injury bug always seems to rear its ugly head at the worst times. So whose body will remain intact the longest for a grueling two weeks at the U.S. Open?

Andy Murray showed he has the moxie and aggression to beat anyone on tour. But will he be undone by the big stage again?

Whether injuries or mental vacations are to blame, Maria Sharapova is among the dearth of dangerous floaters now healthy enough to foil the dreams of the favorites.

Kim Clijsters retired, unretired and won the U.S. Open last year. Yep, everything was peachy. But why, then, does she feel an urgency to repeat?

Browse the men's rankings and you'll see nary a single American lodged in the top 10. So which Yankee is going to lead the way in Flushing Meadows?

No one questions David Nalbandian's talent. But his desire? That's a whole different story.

Roger Federer needed help from the people of New York two years ago, and it worked. Will the vociferous crowd back him again?

There are a dozen reasons Jelena Jankovic won't win the French Open. But there are a dozen why she could.

Robin Soderling will always be remembered as the guy who ended Rafa's reign at Roland Garros. But that was then. What's in store this year?

The French contingent have been waiting and waiting for one of their own to break through at Roland Garros. Well, it's quite apparent that wait will continue, writes Ravi Ubha.

If you think Roger Federer was done after breaking Pete Sampras' record at Wimbledon, you haven't been paying attention.

Discounting Rafael Nadal at the U.S. Open is a massive mistake. He might claim he's not ready, but if anyone can steal Roger Federer's thunder in New York, it's the determined Spaniard.

We don't discount Andy Murray's hard-court proficiency. But until he excises his passive mentality on the court, don't expect any trophies in Flushing Meadows.