Where Are They Now? Part Two

Donald Young. The last time we checked in with America's Next Best Hope he had not only won his first ATP match in New Haven, but then followed that up with a third round performance at the US Open. The 18-year-old has gone 5-2 since the Open and has reached a career-high number 144 in the rankings. With continued fall success, Young may hope to get an automatic bid into the Australian Open.

Gustavo Kuerten. Guga has continued to nurse various injuries, and was last on the court for the Brazilian team in a doubles loss. The former world number one has been somewhat of a doubles specialist this year. Unless the beloved star can show physical and tennis improvements in the near future, however, we may hear the 'R' word from our favorite South American.

(Kuerten looked good in Davis Cup play, but won just six games in his doubles rubber loss. Photo by Marcio Nel Cimatti via Flickr.)

John Isner. After his inspired run at the US Open, Isner left fellow big-serving up-and-comer Sam Querrey in the dust. The 6'9" star came back down to earth this past week after losing in the second round in Tulsa, where Donald Young was a finalist. After his loss to Federer at the Open, Isner lost to another #01 in Tulsa: Fritz Wolmarans, ranked 401st in the world.

Li Na. China's best hope for a medal in Beijing is currently a hobbled hope. The 25-year-old hasn't played since prior to Wimbledon and is dealing with a re-occurring muscle injury. Meanwhile, the Chinese deal with the possibility that the Olympics might be a flop a year from now.

Madison Brengle. After winning her opening match in LA as a wildcard, Brengle lost to another petite American, Bethanie Mattek, in the first round of the US Open. Brengle is set to graduate this spring from high school and the 17-year-old is still listed as an "Amateur" on her WTA biography. If anything, it looks like the Delaware native is taking the slow track to the pro tour.