U.S. Open heats up in the second week

September 8, 1:57 AMPro Tennis ExaminerGrayson Blakeley

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AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill - American Andy Roddick sits in disbelief after losing
to John Isner in the third round of the U.S. Open

Nobody expected Andy Roddick to lose to a fellow American by the name of John Isner. Most Americans were expecting, and hoping, that Andy Roddick would make a run deep into the U.S. Open. But those expectations were shattered by the underdog Isner on Saturday.

Isner used his huge serve and powerful ground strokes to wear Roddick down, and was able to finish him off in the deciding set tiebreak. “This is hands down the biggest win of my career,” Isner said after the match. “The hair was kinda standing up on the back of my neck at some points. But I never panicked. I knew I had a shot. Andy in general pushes every American player, he’s the guy we all aspire to be."

Unfortunately Isner's run could only last so long. The 24 year old shocked the world, but in his match Monday against Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, he did not have enough in him to do it again. Isner took the first set off of Verdasco, 6-4, but after that Verdasco controlled the points with his super-human ground strokes, and won the final three sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Other than the Isner over Roddick upset, the top dogs have been dominant in New York. Roger Federer has rolled over his competition, only losing a set in the whole tournament. He has knocked off 32nd ranked Lleyton Hewitt and 15th ranked Tommy Robredo.

Andy Murray has also had no trouble so far. Although he has not played anyone ranked in the top 80, he has cruised through his opening three rounds in New York. His round of sixteen match will be his first tough test of the tournament, playing 17th ranked Marin Cilic.

In only his third tournament (first Grand Slam) since being back from injury, Rafa Nadal has been very solid in New York. Nadal rolled over fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in the third round, and will play Gael Monfils in his fourth round match. Both Monfils and Nadal are very athletic and extremely quick on their feet, so it could be a very interesting match up.

Fourth ranked Serbian Novak Djokovic is another top five player who has not struggled in New York. Djokovic cruised by 16th ranked Radek Stepanek in the fourth round, and looks to make a push into his first U.S. Open final. Djokovic made the semifinals at the U.S. Open in 2008, before being knocked out by five-time U.S. Open champion Roger Federer.

As the fourth round of the U.S. Open finishes up, the competition continues to get tighter. Will Roger Federer hoist his sixth straight U.S. Open trophy? Or will a younger star take over the crown in New York?

To check out the U.S. Open bracket, results, and schedule visit the official site.