A-Rod + Dinara join other sidelined seeds at the UpSet Open

Upsets at this year's US Open are becoming as ubiquitous as those pesky double faults.

Andy Roddick's quest for a second US Open title came crashing down in defeat to compatriot John Isner 7-6 (3), 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 7-6 (5) in their third round match. He becomes the highest seeded casualty in the boys' draw so far. The giant American will now face Fernando Verdasco for a spot in the quarterfinals.

I'd say A-Rod is probably still dealing with some lingering effects from that epic loss to Roger Federer after his early exit here. It was definitely a winnable match for him but his confidence and self-belief may be a bit shaken at the moment.


Dinara Safina used up her last lifeline at Flushing Meadows late last night. After scraping through her first two matches, the top lady baller was unable to close out her third round match against Petra Kvitova and fell 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (5). Dinara even held three match points in the decider and couldn't seal the deal. The Sisters Sledge are the only ladies in the Top 5 to still be alive at the Open. Color me NOT shocked.

Clearly, this result is not surprising based on her recent results and sketchy serve of late. I feel for her, though, after her match was moved to Louis Armstrong so James Blake could play his on Arthur Ashe. Plus, all the talk of not D not deserving the WTA Penthouse keys has taken its toll but I think even she will have a hard time defending that stance now.

(Photos: Getty)