Hi Everyone!

This US Open is an exciting tournament for British fans as Andy Murray consolidates his leap into the top 20 and maybe the top 15 after the Open.

It is acknowledged that physically he has a way to go before he can challenge the top five in the game consistently, day after day, but his tennis skills and brain are there already. Brad Gilbert is bringing - and will bring - the discipline to the talent and hopefully the message of improving Andy’s strength.

Jimmy Connors has raised Andy Roddick’s enthusiasm and belief which will take him far in the tournament. It remains to be seen if the game improvements I believe are necessary can be made, but confidence and belief are big factors. Somehow I do not see Nadal in the final. My prediction is a Federer vs Roddick final, with Murray good value as a possible finalist if he can avoid long matches.

I see the girls as a three-horse race between Henin, Sharapova and Davenport (if healthy) with Mauresmo needing to find form to challenge. If she makes the second week, then she will be dangerous.

Academy

From September 4th the MCTA (Monte Carlo Tennis Academy) takes off and it is an exciting moment for us all. Our two players, Anna Fitzpatrick and Ilija Vucic have been flying up the ratings.

I will no longer write about the academy here as all the latest news will be on our sister site www.mctacademy.com.

All the best,

David