Novak Djokovic (Photo : Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
The US Open presents the last chance for the likes of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to cap off the season on a winning note, and expectations will be a mix of highs and lows for the top players competing at the final Grand Slam event of the year.
With Roger Federer out of competition, Djokovic won't have to defend his US Open crown from his fierce rival, but after disappointing results in the two of his last three competitions, there are more challengers to the Serb's title reign at the event.
Djokovic kicked off the season to a hot start, highlighted by his first career Grand Slam after winning his first French Open title in June. But the win since derailed his momentum to a dream season that could have seen Djokovic complete a calendar sweep and a Golden Slam.
The 29-year-old from Belgrade lost to American Sam Querrey in Round of 32 at Wimbledon before bouncing back to win the Rogers Cup in Toronto, defeating Japan's Kei Nishikori in straight sets. While Djokovic has gained the much-needed drive heading into the Olympic Games, Juan Martin del Potro dealt the Serb a stunning first round loss at the quadrennial event.
After his stint at the Rio Olympics, Djokovic skipped the Cincinnati Masters due to a recurring left wrist injury.
"I am very sad to announce that I won't be able to play this year in Cincinnati at the Western & Southern Open," Djokovic said in a statement, reports ESPN.
"I have a recurring injury that has taken its toll on my body due to a very busy and active schedule this year. I have played many matches and I have to take some rest in order to heal."
Djokovic was back in his hometown practicing on the hard court and may have probably already rested his wrist well. Despite the unexpected holdup in Rio, Djokovic should still be considered the favorite at the US Open as he has been known to immediately switch back into his winning ways following a setback.
Murray, who is coming off a Gold Medal finish at the Olympic Games, also had a fair share of success this season, which could be key for his stint at the US Open.
After a mini-losing slump early this season, the world No. 2 turned the tides in Rome followed by winning his third Grand Slam singles title against Canada's Milos Raonic at Wimbledon.
Murray has been consistently challenging Djokovic, meeting the latter in the final rounds of tournaments four times this season. While the Scot has only managed one victory over Djokovic, he is certainly poised to once again take over the tennis scene.
"I think I'm playing my best tennis just now. It's not even close to anything else I had done before. Seven finals in a row, winning Wimbledon again, and the Olympics. It's been really good," Murray said after losing to Marin Cilic in the final round of the Cincinnati Masters.
"I really didn't expect to be here. It's obviously disappointing when you get to the final and don't win, but it was a very, very positive week considering everything. Mentally I'm in a good place just now. So I'm looking forward to New York for sure."
Meanwhile, Nadal may not be a strong contender for at the US Open, but the King of Clay should still be in the conversation of those who could challenge for the title.
Nadal approached the season with hopes of finding his vintage form, but failed to do so earlier this year. The 14-time Grand Slam winner gained momentum after winning back-to-back titles during the European clay circuit and was poised to a promising finish at the French Open before a left wrist injury halted his impressive run.
The injury did not require any surgeries, but it forced Nadal to be sidelined from competition for more than two months, missing the chance to participate at Wimbledon and other important tournaments.
His return at the Olympics earned him a Gold Medal in doubles competition, a boost to any of his attempt for another major, but Nadal admitted his left wrist could still bother him at times, although he is going through the right process of recovering from the setback.
"Things got complicated after several months without playing and competing. The wrist is well, in general," Nadal said, reports Tennis World USA.
"I played so many hours, I know it will bother me a little bit and it limits me during some moments, but the injury is going through the right process. Anyway I can´t hit forehand at my best, I need to recover confidence and to play for weeks without any pain, which did not happen."
Nadal displayed remarkable performances in Rio and Ohio, before being toppled by Del Potro and Nishikori and Borna Coric, respectively. If he could continue an already outstanding run coming off an injury, Nadal could be in it for a third US Open-title.
Djokovic, Murray and Nadal are among the top favorites to win this year's US Open, but after an up and down campaign this season, anyone could snag the spotlight from three of the biggest stars once the competition begins in New York.
