With the U.S. Open going down next Monday, Lil Wayne responds to Sports Illustrated letter from Rikers and weighs in on the tournament. A better read after the jump. Your serve. Advantage Carter.

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I genuinely appreciate this opportunity to express my love for tennis.  One of the main reasons I enjoy the sport so much is because when I actually tried to play, it was unbelievably difficult.  So ever since, I’ve been drawn to the great talents of the game.  Not to mention Andre Agassi was like a pop star when I was a kid.  I love the Williams sisters. I simply adore Maria Sharadova and I’m a huge [Rafael] Nadal fan!  I’m definitely rooting for him to get the Grand slam and win the US Open.  He’s already became [sic] the 2nd youngest player to win 8 major titles before the age of 25.  He’s halfway there to Roger [Federer’s] 16. And even while battling knee tendonitis, he’s still ranked #1.  His Wimbledon performance was one of a kind.  He simply plays with pure passion and leaves it all out there on the court.  With [Juan Martín] Del Potro pulling out of this years Open with injury, Nadal’s only threats are obviously Federer, Djokovic, and Roddick’s aggressive play, but the player that scares me the most is Andy Murray who’s beaten Rafael four times.  Even still I say “Nadal wins it all.”

And by the way, I’m giving the edge to [Kim] Clijsters in the Women’s singles due to Serena’s right foot. Again, I’m very thankful for this opportunity.

Respectfully, Wayne