Usual suspects of Nadal, Djokovic and Fedderer expected to dominate again

NEW YORK: The return to form and fitness of a host of big names in the men’s draw at the US Open has strengthened the field for the year’s final grand slam but Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are still the favourites for the title.

The trio have dominated the highest level of the sport for years and Djokovic’s victory at Wimbledon, combined with an impressive hardcourt season, means he edges defending champion Nadal as the bookmakers’ pick to succeed at the tournament which starts at Flushing Meadows today.

The sixthseeded Serb has played his way back to form after a shaky start to the year following his return from a longstanding elbow injury that needed surgery, and is on the opposite side of the draw to top seed Nadal.

Second seed Federer, now 37, is on the same side of the draw as 31yearold Djokovic and they could meet in the last eight.

Nadal stormed to victory last year in a field weakened by the absence of several top 10 players, but to win a fourth US Open title he will have to outlast seven former champions.

The Spaniard, fresh from victory at the Rogers Cup in Mon treal, where he won his 33rd Masters 1000 title, has been coy about his chances in New York given how well his main rivals have been playing, but is counting on the atmosphere to give him a lift.

‘‘The energy here in New York is difficult to compare with another place. I love the night sessions, I love the connection with the crowd. I feel

very comfortable always here,’’ the 32yearold Nadal said.

Behind the three favourites, the return of 2016 champion Stan Wawrinka, given a wildcard by the organisers after making a comeback from a knee injury, and Andy Murray, returning after hip surgery, adds another layer of stiff competition.

Croat Marin Cilic and Argen tine Juan Martin del Potro complete the ranks of former winners who will attempt to reclaim the title, while Alexander Zverev’s decision to hire Ivan Lendl as his coach also offers up an intriguing prospect. Zverev is arguably the strongest of the next generation of players who have long been tipped to break the big three’s hold on the sport’s biggest prizes.

At 21, the German is ranked fourth in the world but his temperament is suspect and Lendl, who coached Murray during the most productive spell of the Scot’s career, might help his young charge finally fulfil his potential.

‘‘I think he [Zverev] gets down on himself. He gets emotional and I think it does affect his play,’’ 18time grand slam winner Chris Evert, who will be part of ESPN’s coverage of the US Open, said on a conference call.

‘‘I think if it’s true that Lendl is coaching him now — what he did with Andy Murray was phenomenal. If he can improve the mental and emotional side of his game, I think Zverev will have it all.’’ — Reuters