A Roger-Rafa final? That would be a 1st

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have battled each other on every major stage across the globe. Except one.

Could this be the year the two icons face off in New York for the first time? If it happens at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it would be in the final because Federer, 37, and Nadal, 32, are again the top seeds at the U.S. Open.

Each has won a major title this year to enhance his legendary status: Federer's Australian Open title increased his all-time men's record to 20; Nadal's French Open triumph made him the first player to win a Grand Slam event 11 times.

While New York has proven too rough and rowdy for other tennis greats (Bjorn Borg never won the Open), Rafa and Roger have thrived here.

“I always had a great connection with the crowd here,” said Nadal, the No .1 seed and defending champion .“The crowd brings me to another level of energy. That's something that I enjoy.”

“For a long period, I wasn't losing much, and when I came to the Open, I had all the answers for all the guys, all my opponents, all conditions,” said Federer, who won five consecutive Opens from 2004–08, but has been denied the title since.

A rejuvenated Novak Djokovic could prevent a Federer-Nadal final. Healthy again and hungry after a two-year drought in Grand Slam events, Djokovic won Wimbledon for his 13th major. He also beat Federer in the Cincinnati final last week to become the first man to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.

Barring an upset, Federer and Djoko vic would meet in the Open quarterfinals. Nadal could face a quarterfinal challenge from South Africa's Kevin Anderson, whom he beat in last year's Open final.

No American man has won a major since Andy Roddick captured the Open (and the World No. 1 ranking) in 2003. The 15-year drought almost certainly will continue into 2019.

Hard-serving John Isner is the USA's best hope. But the No. 11 seed is a longshot at best. Unseeded Francis Tiafoe, who opened eyes in a five-set loss to Federer at last year's Open is only 20 and still developing.

So, anyone longing for something historic from the men at this year's Open should root for a Federer-Nadal final.