PHOTO OP: Frat parties are fun, huh Woz?

It's just...yeah. Exactly.

[Photo(s) credit: @laurarobson5]

VANtage Point: But how will it end? The US Open, I mean.

Neither rain nor sleet nor looming hurricane threatening to drop on my Brooklyn home any moment could keep me from delivering a special VANtage Point in time for the U.S. Open! Hey there, DtLeratti, it’s Van and I think this one could be one of the most exciting in years with the dominance of Novak Djokovic, American men playing well and Serena Williams rounding into form.
So let me get to the 'Point'. First …

A Look Back: I’m not going to go waaay back to the last time VP graced Down the Line!, but rather take a glance back at what’s gone down this summer. Mardy Fish and Serena both won the Olympus US Open Series with amazing runs. Djokovic dropped in and added to his staggering record, while Andy Murray showed he’s rounding into form.

This Week’s Spotlight: The US Open - need I say more? Of course I do, or else why would we have a VANtage Point?! The last Slam of the year is here with scores of players descending upon the Big Apple looking to loft that big silver trophy at the end.

Players to Watch: I’ve mentioned Djokovic, Fish and Murray, but I hear there’s a guy from Switzerland in the draw that’s had some decent showings here in the past by the name of Roger Federer. (I’m pretty sure you didn’t think I was talking about Stan Wawrinka!) It’s crazy to think that he hasn’t won a Grand Slam singles title in more than a year. I don’t think it’s going to happen here, but it’s hard to count that guy out! And speaking of guys that have had success in the past, Juan Martin del Potro could do some damage.

On the women’s side, Caroline Wozniacki has to make a move to Grand Slam glory at some point. Two Major winners this year—Li Na and Petra Kvitova—have tough draws and could be gone before you know it, so catch them while you can. Venus Williams is unseeded, but is slated to meet a buzz saw—Sabine Lisicki—in the second round. Either one of them has a chance to punch a hole in the draw.

The Final Fours: For the men, I’m going with Djokovic over Fish (sorry Roger, Jo-Willy Tsonga early on might just be too tough a hurdle) and Murray over defending champ Rafael Nadal. For the women, I’m picking Serena over Wozniacki and past US Open champ Maria Sharapova over the Aussie Samantha Stosur.

And the Winners Are … : Djokovic over Murray and Serena over Sharapova - big names that should make for serious entertainment. Enjoy the tournament everyone, and stay dry!

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone? Follow him on Twitter @ttanyone and Facebook here.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FRIDAY FUNNIES: The weight of winning

[Via: Women's Tennis Blog]

SIGHTING: Brooklyn Decker watching on in Winston-Salem

Tennis WAG Brooklyn Decker was spotted watching hubby Andy Roddick score his first win since Wimbledon taking out Frenchie Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-2, 6-4 in his opening round match at Winston-Salem.

I'm not sure what Brook is doing these days (no rom-coms that I know of) but she could help me with one thing if she's not busy: Getting her man into the Engineered Stripe Polo by Lacoste in the RIGHT size. Small favors.

Two more shots of Mrs. A-Rod after the jump.

PHOTO OP: Take a swig, Muzz

 You too, Shrieka. Don't hug it. SWIG IT.

[Photo(s) credit: AP]

Surviving the US Open one tip at a time

Hey Down the Liners! Please welcome Liz Miller who writes the blog Match Point Travel. She's visited the US Open for years and wrote up a "US Open Survival Guide" for anyone making their way to Flushing Meadows next week. Take it away, Liz!

Heading out to the US Open? Here are some tips to make sure you have the best time possible.

Read the rest of Liz Miller's "US Open Survival Guide" after the jump.