So we have reached the final Grand Slam of a long year. But who has the best chances of victory. I will analyse the top players and look into some outsiders with a chance of winning.
Novak Djokovic - Current World number 1 and has dominated the tour this year. However, signs of fatigue are starting to show, after retiring from Cincinnati. He has an easy route to the 4th round before having a potential match with Dolgopolov or Gasquet. Neither have a good chance of defeating him but if Djokovic shows fatigue in his first few matches than they will look to tire him. In the Quarters he could have a tough match against Berdych or Monfils, players who have performed well in the last 2 tournaments but still haven't had the form to match Djokovic. Berdych did defeat Federer at Cincinnati. In the Semi-Finals, Djokovic will almost surely meet Federer a tough match for any player at the US Open. Last year Djokovic pipped Federer in an epic match, which saw Federer have chances to win, however, earlier this year under pressure Federer played his best at the French Open to be the first player to defeat Djokovic this year. In the Finals Nadal or Murray will probably be found. The former number 1 will be looking for some revenge and will look to hold his crown at Flushing Meadows. The current number 4 will look to get back at Djokovic for the Australian Open this year.
Verdict: If Djokovic starts well and gets going he has potential for the final, however, if his rivals can get their best form than he may fail to take another title this year.
Rafael Nadal - The current world number 2 and defending champion will hope to retain his crown. He also has an easy route to the 4th round before having a possible match against last year Semi-Finalist Youzhny or Melzer. Neither should be stiff competition. Fellow spaniards Ferrer or Almagro could be found in the Quarters or Roddick spurred by the home crowd. All 3 haven't shown to stiff competition against Nadal but any of the 3 could cause an upset. Murray or former winner Del Potro could be found in the Semi-Finals. Murray is in good form and could potentially win. Del Potro could also be a difficult opponent, beating Nadal 2 years ago when the argentine was at his best but he has yet to find his best form. In the Final Djokovic or Federer could be waiting both tough opponents. He beat Djokovic in last year's final but since then Djokovic has beaten him countless times. Federer was beaten by Nadal at Roland Garros.
Verdict: If Nadal finds his form from last year's US Open then he will be almost unbeatable unless his rivals also find their best form.
Roger Federer - The current world number 3 has not won a Grand Slam for a long time and the rise of Djokovic hasn't helped him on his quest but he still shows his best sometimes. Federer also has an easy route to the 4th round only Cilic can challenge him, however, he has lost his best form this year. In the 4th round he shouldn't have too much trouble with Troicki or Stepanek as his main possibilities. In the Quarters he has two dangerous potential opponents. Tsonga or Fish. Fish has shown great form in the last month, while Tsonga is always dangerous. In the Semi-Final he could have Djokovic. Last year Djokovic pipped Federer in an epic match, which saw Federer have chances to win, however, earlier this year under pressure Federer played his best at the French Open to be the first player to defeat Djokovic this year. The final could see Nadal, a player he has one of the greatest rivalries in the history of tennis with or Murray.
Verdict: Federer could easily make the final and may win it, however, he will need some of his best tennis.
Andy Murray - The current world number 4 is yet to win a Grand Slam and his chances aren't high to break that run. Murray first could have Lopez in the 3rd round and will probably ease through. But then would come up against Wawrinka, his conquerer last year. The in form Isner could be dangerous in the Quarters or former champion Del Potro. In the Semis a tough match against Nadal is likely. The Final could put him up against Djokovic or Federer, both would be tough matches.
Verdict: It doesn't seem like he can win this US Open but you never know.
Mardy Fish - The American number 1 could be spurred on by the crowd, combined with his great recent form to deep in the tournament, causing upsets on the way.
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