It’s a new year and the first Grand Slam has begun with qualifying matches underway. US Tennis has long been dominated by the William’s sisters, Andy Roddick and James Blake who again are poised for a great year.

The first round at the Australian Open begins in about an hour and what is to be said about the USA hopefuls that have been hovering in the south half of the top fifty and who could be poised to break into the top 100, top 10, top 3 in 2009?

Let’s get a fresh look at the first two weeks of the new year.

Eric Butorac and Rajeev Ram teamed up to start off the new year winning the Chennai Open. Watch out for Eric and Jamie Murray in the Australian Open doubles draw.

David Martin and Scott Lipsky had a trial separation after a Chennai Semi-final loss with Lipsky and Paes making it to the finals of the “Open Heineken.” Now that Martin has a new appreciation for his partner, they could be poised for a run in the doubles draw.

James Cerretani picked up $17,400 with his partner Victor Hanescu in Doha for their Semi Final appearance. James went out in the first round in Auckland.

Travis Parrott (w/Polasek) also made a semi-final appearance in Brisbane losing to Gicquel/Tsonga and Travis also has a first round loss in Auckland.

The highlight for the first week on the women’s side was Vania King (w/Groenefeld) taking the Brisbane International Championship.

Andy Roddick was a finalist in Doha, Qatar losing to ‘knee brace’ Murray 4-6, 2-6.
Hrbaty’s engagement appears to have helped him take out James Blake at the Hopman Cup. I watched every minute of the Hopman Cup but somehow missed lady’s day.

Bobby Reynolds has had good qualifying runs, but ultimately losing in a tough 1st round match to quarter finalist, Ke Nishikori and an even tougher 2nd round match in Auckland to semi finalist, Ryan Soderling.

John Isner started with first round qualifying loss, but came back strong in Auckland with a Quarter Final berth.

Sam Querrey experienced a similar happy new year loss in his first match of the new year, but responded with an appearance & loss in the Heineken final vs. Juan Martin Del Potro.

Taylor Dent could be the biggest comeback of the year as he took on Richard Gasquet at Brisbane pushing him to 4-6, 5-7. Gasquet went on to the semi’s losing to the eventual champion Radek Stepanek 4-6 in the third. A healthy Taylor have an amazing 2009.

Bob and Mike Bryan announced their return by defeating the #1 seeds, Nestor/Zimonjic 6-1, 7-6(3) in the final at Sydney.

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