Since the US Open is one tough slam, I am going to honor now the men who made it to the Round of 64, despite being ranked outside the Top 100. Just to reach this round, is achievement enough to these guys. Some are newbies, some are returning veterans. Here they are, all from the upper half of the draw:
1. Dustin Brown of Jamaica, ranked # 123, is the first Jamaican I know, to advance to the second round of a Grand Slam since I started covering them in 1997. He won over Ramirez Hidalgo of Spain, a Top 100 player, 6-4, 7-6, 7-5. This should send him closer to the Top 100. His next opponent is Andy Murray. Tough draw!
2. Adrian Mannarino of France, currently ranked # 152, ousted Pere Riba 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, in a virtual slugfest! This brings him to the second round of a slam for the first time. He next faces Verdasco and it's going to be very tough for him.
3. Benoit Paire of France, currently ranked # 163, caused an upset, when he defeated veteran journeyman, Rainier Schuettler, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 7-6. He next faces another veteran, in Feliciano Lopez of Spain. Can he cause another upset? We'll soon find out.
4. Ryan Harrison of the USA, ranked #220 is one of the discoveries of this tournament. He's cute! And still 18! He upset another feisty veteran, Ivan Ljubicic, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4. His next opponent is Stakhovsky of Ukraine, and this guy is on fire right now, winning New Haven last week. Let's find out what Ryan can do here. 
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