*Ed. Note: Peter Bodo is on vacation until the 16th. In his absence, we are proud to present entries written by the TW Tribe.
*The first shots have been fired and a few mighty ones have been wounded. However wise it may seem to save the deadliest weapons until the end, the next couple of cannons are perfectly capable of winning the battle.
One is obsessed with glory while the other is a volatile virtuoso. You can question the latter's head as well as the former's body. But, should you get some good answers, you'd better watch out.
In the words of Peter Gabriel, here comes the cavalry:
3. Richard "Mr. Backhand" Gasquet
(Rank: 51, Age: 20)
If there's someone in this group who needs to sacrifice a couple of Wilsons to appease the Mighty Draw Gods at the USO, it's Richard. Due to Mr. Backhand's inconsistent form this year, the one time #12 dropped all the way to the half-century spot despite defending Notthingham AND adding Bastad to his trophy room.
So inconsistent, in fact, that even Pete gave up on him. However, of all the names on this list, Gasquet has been the most successful at Flushing; Richard advanced to the fourth round in 2005.
Questions about his fitness were raised during the year, along with the suggestion that the famous Fed quote ("he reminds me of myself") was to blame for uncovering Richard's only true weak spot: the space between his ears.
It's almost a consensus opinion that Gasquet's just WAY too talented to be dismissed so early. A pure shot maker, Richard's happy to control the pace of the game with any of his strokes; he enjoys exploiting the matchup between his magnificent backhand and his opponent's more crude versions (ask James Blake for more info).
Not only is that one-handed backhand effective and dangerous, it's also executed so fluidly and effortlessly that you feel it's the first time
you've seen it done right.
Recently the Frenchman has shown better court positioning as well as a better use of the (mischievously) defensive backhand slice. These are two great defensive additions to his already glorious offensive arsenal.
So, if Richard's that good, how come he's just #3 in this Top Five? Two reasons:
First, it's almost a sure thing Gasquet will be unseeded. That makes him extra dangerous for his opponents but also means harder work right from the start.
Second, because he's on UAHAS Crazy Watch. Even though he looked pretty imposing in winning Bastad and extremely solid beating Blake two days ago in straights, you still don't know just how long Gasquet will remain focused.
When the talent evens out, strength and cool temper break the tie. In that regard, Mr. Backhand is still a work in progress. Beware of virtuosos, though -- it is known that they tend to make the impossible happen.
2. Novak "VertiDjoko" Djokovic
(Rank: 23, Age: 19)
Since May, The Djoko has been on a roll: quarters at the French, fourth round at Wimby, title at Amersfoot, finalist in Umag.
You'd be quick to point out that all those tournaments were either on clay or grass and that Novak was riding a dirt streak in Europe while the U.S Open Series already had Indy and L.A. in its books.
I don't have a problem with that.
Along with VertiDjoko's confidence, the elements in his game that gained consistency in these past few months are perfectly suited to the fast hardcourts of the U.S Open. Djokovic's serve is becoming more and more dangerous (as well as varied) and both the forehand and backhand are particularly lethal from anywhere on the court. And, to top it off, the hunger for glory is there for everyone to see.
As VDj is an attacking player, a faster surface just makes his groundstrokes a bit more dangerous. By playing short rallies and fast matches he's able to hide his most glaring weakness -- his fitness.
More than anything, Djokovic needs to take care of his body through the first week of the USO. Novak's lanky frame is good for four rounds and some change if he avoids five-set marathons and crazy scheduling.
Last year The Djoko had to qualify to get in the main draw of his first ever U.S. Open. He managed to survive that much discussed five-set teen grinder against Monfils and upset Mario Ancic before bowing out in the third round. This year he'll be seeded, well rested, confident, and underrated -- the perfect stage for someone so driven.
Vertidjoko's game is there. His head is there. With a little help of the Scheduling Gods and some quick matches, Novak's body just might let him get to that second week. And, once he's there, anything can happen.
He's already let out his battle roar:
I want to make my life goal, which is to be the number one player in the world. I know that may sound unrealistic, but I believe I have the quality to achieve this goal.
High-stakes tennis is a battle of wills. Having this goal engraved on Vertidjoko's mind just might lead him to victory.
*
Battlefield Report from Toronto: Richard Gasquet has booked a place in the Rogers Cup semifinals. His opponent? The player behind him in this Top Five Countdown -- Andy Murray.
As we've come to learn, the threat posed by this young armada is not imaginary. And they haven't even shown their #1 cannon.
To be continued..
--Juan Jose