Novak Djokovic going deep in Flushing Meadows is as automatic as peak Roger Federer reaching the final of Wimbledon. Djokovic has made at least the semifinals of the US Open every year since 2007 with two titles to his name.
But there’s more. The reigning World No. 1 has reached at least the semifinal of every Grand Slam since 2011, save for the 2014 Australian Open and this year’s Wimbledon. He has won five of the last seven Grand Slams, including the Aussie and French Open this year. He’s also an incredible 33-2 on hard court this season, with one “loss” coming via retirement.
At this point, Djokovic’s dominance is such that it’d be a shock to not see him lift the US Open title for a second-consecutive year.
Andy Murray
But if there’s one player who can match Djokovic’s current level of play, it’s Andy Murray. Ever since his back-to-back round of 32 exits in hard court Masters tournaments earlier this year, the World No. 2 has reeled off seven-consecutive tournament finals (including the Olympics). Although, his latest trip to the final of the Cincinnati Masters resulted in a rare loss to Marin Cilic.
Murray has had a relatively unimpressive record in Flushing Meadows over the past few years. It’s the only Grand Slam where he’s failed to reach at least the semifinal in the last four years. But based on recent form, it’s pretty safe to pencil in the 2012 champion for much deeper run in this year’s tournament.
Milos Raonic
It’s been a breakout season for Milos Raonic. The World No. 6 has gone 42-11 overall, and 22-5 on hard court. He won his lone tournament of the season (Brisbane) on the surface, and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, as well as the final of the Indian Wells Masters. He also made back-to-back finals at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon, but fell to Murray on both occasions.
Raonic has never reached the quarterfinals of the US Open, the lone Grand Slam where he’s failed to do so. He’s also had a lot of trouble against the top two players in the world – Djokovic and Murray – who are responsible for seven of his 11 losses. Raonic should be able to come up with his strongest showing yet in Flushing, but a first Grand Slam title is likely a step too far.
Sleeper
Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgrios’ Grand Slam record doesn’t make for impressive reading. He’s made the quarterfinals just twice in 13 opportunities, and has crashed out in the first round of the US Open twice in three tries. However, this could finally be the year the Aussie finds his best form in Flushing.
The 21-year-old just won his second title of the season on the hard courts of Atlanta. He’s held his own against the best of the best, going 5-7 against top 10-ranked players this year. He’s also been handed a fairly manageable draw. The top seed on his side of the bracket is Stan Wawrinka, who is still recovering from a back injury. Kyrgios has beaten the Swiss World No. 3 twice in four career meetings.
Long Shot
Borna Coric
It’s probably a bit too early for 19-year-old Borna Coric to claim his first Grand Slam title. The World No. 41 has yet to get out of the second round in any Grand Slam tournament apart from the French. He’s also a middling 14-13 on hard court this season.
However, Coric displayed his immense potential by knocking out three top-35-ranked players – Benoit Paire, Nick Kyrgios, and Rafael Nadal – in the Cincinnati Masters, before bowing out to eventual champion Marin Cilic in the quarterfinals due to retirement. Coric is a +140 underdog in the first round against Feliciano Lopez, but don’t be surprised if he wins and goes on to have a breakout Grand Slam tournament.
Writer’s Prediction
Murray dethrones Djokovic to claim his second career US Open title.
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