Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will try to add another Grand Slam success in their age-defying seasons when the US Open begins Monday.
World number one Nadal, back on top after more than three years, captured his 10th French Open in June for his 15th Grand Slam title while third-ranked Federer took the Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns, raising his record slam total to 19.
Nadal, 31, and Federer, 36, have never faced each other on the New York hardcourts but could meet in the semi-finals.
Federer opens against US teen Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday, the same day Nadal meets Serbian Dusan Lajovic in his first-round match.
And ahead of the tournament, here’s a look at five stars who are set to flourish at Flushing Meadows.
ROGER FEDERER
Age: 36
World ranking: 3
2017 Win/loss: 35-3
Titles won: 5
US Open best: Winner (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
Why he’ll win it: Has been in sublime form, is well rested and his win percentage (87.64) at Flushing Meadows is second only to Wimbledon.
New York loves Roger and the feeling is mutual.
Why he won’t: Could face Kyrgios and Thiem before Nadal in the semis. You’d back him in two of those three but they could sap his energy.
Roger Federer.
RAFA NADAL
Age: 31
World ranking: 1
2017 Win/loss: 49-9
Titles won: 4;
US Open best: Winner (2010, 2013)
Why he’ll win it: The best player on Tour at present and has the bit between his teeth in wanting to prove everyone wrong. Has a pretty manageable draw.
Why he won’t: Federer in the last four is an obvious roadblock plus seven of his nine losses this year have been on hardcourts.
Rafa Nadal.
ALEXANDER ZVEREV
Age: 20
World ranking: 6
2017 Win/loss: 46-14
Titles won: 5
US Open best: 2nd round (2016)
Why he’ll win it: Has everyone very excited – no one has more titles than him this year and he’s lost just two of his last 20 matches. He has is also the highest seed in the bottom half of the draw after Murray’s withdrawal.
Why he won’t: Has never been past the last eight of Grand Slam and his consistency over two weeks is yet to be examined.
Alexander Zverev.
GRIGOR DIMITROV
Age: 26
World ranking: 9
2017 Win/loss: 34-14
Titles won: 3
US Open best: 4th round (2014, 2016)
Why he’ll win it: Victory in Cincinnati – without dropping a set – is a huge confidence boost and the often erratic but deeply talented Bulgarian is looking a more mature and credible prospect to make a deep run in a Grand Slam.
Why he won’t: Has never looked particularly strong in New York and has Nadal and Federer on his side of the draw.
Grigor Dimitrov.
NICK KYRGIOS
Age: 22
World ranking: 18
2017 Win/loss: 26-12
Titles won: 0
US Open best: 3rd round (2014, 2016)
Why he’ll win it: Has the talent, isn’t fazed by taking on the big guns and, unlike Wimbledon, looks healthy. The success of Zverez appears to have woken him up to his own potential.
Why he won’t: Has Federer and Nadal waiting on his side of the side and is he capable of playing that many good matches over two weeks?
Nick Kyrgios.