“Is Wayne Brady going to have to Djokovic?”

That depends because Brady probably wouldn’t be able to touch him. No one else has.

Novak Djokovic is the No. 1 tennis player in the world and in the 2011 U.S. Open that starts today. Despite a recent nagging shoulder that forced him to retire to No. 4 Andy Murray in the final of the Western and Southern Open for his second loss of the year. But the Serb has won 57 matches this year and it’s likely that that amount is going to grow.

But since anything is possible, we may as well explore the other options:

Oh say can you see…

If USA’s James Blake, who I’m always pulling for, wins his opening match, he’ll likely face No. 5 David Ferrer, which would be his biggest obstacle until the third round where he could potentially face his buddy Andy Roddick. But if I was a betting girl, and as much as I hate to say it, I’d bet that No. 21 Roddick stands less of a chance of making it to the third round despite the relatively easy path he has there. He’s simply lost his mojo.

But in the end, No. 2 Rafael Nadal is at the opposite end of this quarter of the bracket and will likely make it at least to the quarterfinals.

But fear not patriots because No. 8 Mardy Fish has had a successful summer, making it to at least the semis of every tournament he played in with the exception of Wimbledon where he got dropped by Nadal in the quarterfinals.

Also representing America is John Isner, who I never want to count out. He’s had some highlights this year including taking Nadal to five sets on the clay courts (Nadal’s specialty) at the French Open.

Old men can’t jump

Admittedly, I am kind of just a hater that’s still bitter over Roger Federer’s success years ago, but looking at his performances from the summer, he really is on the decline. Obviously players can’t be in their prime forever, but the Switzerland native just turned 30 this month and perhaps it’ll be the beginning of his final decline.

The No. 3 seed is definitely bound for trouble with No. 11 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is his portion of the bracket. Tsonga has handed Federer two of his 11 losses this year, which is rare unless your name rhymes with “schmafael shadal”.

The Don Juan

The 2009 US Open champ, Juan Martin Del Potro, has been getting his groove back after a wrist injury called for surgery back in May 2010. But since he has taken Federer and Nadal down previously, there is a chance that he can strike again. He’s seeded 18 and is in the same bracket quarter as Murray, Isner and No. 6  Robin Soderling, whom he could possibly face if they both make it to the fourth round.

He may not be as cool as  Wayne Brady or Don Juan, but following his surgery, his hand is strong.