The 2012 US Open Thread #1/The S-Thread #1 For 8/28/12: Main Draw Singles Day 2 (Day 8 overall) Preview

We have reached the first week of the tournament officially, and here's the key matches to focus on today, as rain is pending again (though the rain is gone.)

WOMEN- The "Key Match" for the whole tourney, and the others to "Focus ON":

Stephens-Schiavone: The former Italian #1 is on her last limbs, as her energy level continues to fade as the grind of the tour wears down her 32-year-old diminutive self. It will be another long day for Francesca, as Sloane is primed for the victory despite her tendencies to regress back to her old, petulant mental instability.

Errani-Muguruza: While one short Italian forces fades, another continues to rise, as Errani will take on another promising, hard-hitting teenager in Spanish rising star Muguruza. Errani's experience and David Ferrer-ness will see her through this talented force, despite her lack of serving power.

King-Shvedova: Doubles buddies and friends for life face off here, and it's more difficult for the Californian. King has seen Yaro surpass her in singles and be able to play in the Olympics, something Vania painfully missed out on despite being so desperate to perform there. Expect Shvedova to keep her dangerous floater status going, and take out her amicable opponent on the other side in clear fashion.

Hlavackova-Zakopalova: Czech women and contrasting offensive styles will square off here. Though Andrea has the bigger serve, it will be Klara that is more well rounded. But Andrea has been on better form this summer and should get the tight victory in a 50/50 match.

Other key women's matches to watch for, where Ana Ivanovic has to be careful against young Svitolina, who fights until she hears Game, Set, Match, as well as Peng/Vesnina, Cibulkova/Larsson, Pervak/Larsson, Barthel/Jovanovski, Voskoboeva/Rus, Pironkova/Giorgi, Lucic/Jose Martinez, U.Radwanska/ and more.

MEN: 

Roddick-Williams: The Tennessee boy Williams is actually a big boy, and he played well in qualifying with his big serve to be in his first US Open draw. If Roddick is even a little flat today, this could get very awkward for the 2003 US Open champion.

Goffin-Berdych: Outside of a decent result in Toronto, it's been a forgettable year for Tomas, who seems to be on the road outside of the Top 10. Young Goffin will continue the good start for Belgian tennis here at this tournament with a dismissal of the diminishing Czech.

Almagro-Stepanek: The best first round match, as Stepanek has been playing real well again, while Almagro is still here and there with trying to be a solid Top 8 player. Hard to call this one, but I think Stepanek will take this great contest as this 50/50 match could go either way.

Stakhovsky-Wawrinka: Should be a tight one here, but with Wwarinka improving, he should taje this match in maybe four quality sets.