The US Open gets underway on Monday and my money is on British No.1 Andy Murray to end the long wait for that elusive Grand Slam.
A victory at Flushing Meadows would turn a largely disappointing season into the greatest of his career so far.
Murray has previous at the New York venue, winning the junior singles in 2004, but more crucially he has been the distance.
He reached his first Slam final three years ago, at Flushing Meadows, but lost to Roger Federer. He has since lost in two Australian Open finals. Three Slam finals down? Well I always say winning and losing streaks eventually end.
Murray's playing well, feeling confident, and goes into battle as this month's Cincinnati Masters champion. Okay Djokovic retired in the final with a shoulder injury but Murray was closing out that match.
Bad shoulder or not, the Scot knows how to beat Djokovic now. He lost the first four of their 10 career meetings and appeared unable to beat the Serb. But Murray has won four out of their last six clashes. World No.2 Rafael Nadal is out of sorts and Roger Federer's best days are behind him.
One of the big four will triumph in the Big Apple that's for sure and this time, at the age of 24, Murray will take the biggest bite. Forget the know-it-alls that moan: “He won't beat Djokovic, Nadal and Federer”.
Quiet! He won't have to beat the best three players in the world rankings. At the most he will only have to scalp two. Perhaps, and it's a long shot, but he may not have to trump any.
If the tournament goes to form it's Murray/Nadal in the semis and either world No.1 Djokovic or world No.3 Federer in the final.
For me it's a Murray/Djokovic final on September 11 and the fact the Serb (twice a finalist) hasn't won the title either gives Murray as much chance of a historic victory.
The Scot is 5-1 with William Hill, 888sport, Bodog, Betfred, Blue Square to land his first Grand Slam. Get on him at that price NOW – don't come running in tears in a fortnight when Britain has another Grand Slam champ!
Murray, like his title rivals, needs a few matches to find his feet in the tournament and tackles Somdev Devvarman (25-1, bet365) in round one. India's No.1 is another player showing great promise but it's hard to see Murray (1-40, Boylesports, Victor Chandler) losing a set in their first career match-up.
Men's US Open (Source: Paddy Power) – 11-8 Djokovic; 7-2 Nadal; 9-2 Murray; 13-2 Federer; 18-1 Juan Martin Del Potro; 25-1 Mardy Fish; 25-1 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga; 40-1 Robin Soderling; 45-1 Tomas Berdych; 80-1 Andy Roddick; 100-1 Bar.
Recommendation
Murray to beat Devvarman 3-0
(3-10, Boylesports, Victor Chandler).
