Some thoughts from a tennis coach about 2012 US Open and the future tennis champions.

The real tournament begins next Friday. I don’t see Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova losing any earlier and as usual have to go with Serena if she plays her best.

The same goes for the men, with the fourth spot wide open. The big three are all playing dominant tennis, but Andy Murray and Roger Federer have to play each other on Saturday, so the edge goes to Novak Djokovic.

Venus Williams is lackluster, but she has a legitimate excuse. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga does not.

We are always looking for the next generation of tennis champions. In American men, Jack Sock has burst into the lead, and I believe is capable of winning a major.

He reminds me of Roddick at the same age, except that he has a better serve, forehand, backhand, volley, and is more athletic. He still plays a bit like a junior, but a great junior. I think Jack Sock is the real thing. First American I’ve seen since Andy Roddick who can win a major.

No such luck among our women, though Madison Keys may learn to keep the ball in play.

Laura Robson maintained her composure against the once-great Kim Clijsters and has good size and power. She’s no Serena Williams, but that’s hardly a put-down.