Men’s singles
The Favorites
Rafael Nadal (No. 1 seed)
The 31-year-old Spaniard has re-ascended to No. 1 in the world after compiling a 49-9 record in 2017 with four titles, including his 10th French Open crown and 15th Grand Slam title in June.
Nadal is seeking his third US Open title after winning in 2010 and 2013 but could have to go through his arch-rival Roger Federer in the semifinals. The two have never played in the US Open.
“Being No. 1 after all the things that I have been going through the last couple of years is something unbelievable,” Nadal said. “So (it) is, for me, an amazing achievement to be back to that position after three years.”
Roger Federer (No. 3 seed)
Federer is playing some of the best tennis of his historic career at the ripe old age of 36. The Swiss Maestro is 35-3 in 2017 with five titles, including his 18th and 19th Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
He pulled out of the recent US Open warm-up in Cincinnati with back trouble but will have had almost two full weeks of rest as he ramps up to challenge for his sixth US Open crown and first since 2008. He opens against American upstart Frances Tiafoe.
