After a decent hard-court summer, it has become clear who the favorites for this year’s US Open are. There are only three names, and it’s not Nadal and Federer to complement Djokovic.

No, this year it’s Zverev and Medvedev complementing Djokovic. I’m not sad to see a US Open without both Federer and Nadal in it. They’ve had their runs, and they will need to sit out this edition and hope to heal and recover for next year. In the meantime, the youngsters keep knocking on Djokovic’s door. Medvedev captured the Canadian Open while Zverev captured the Cincinnati Masters. Djokovic on the other hand crashed out in the semis of the Olympics to Zverev and hasn’t played since.

Not that one should worry about Djokovic’s chances. Djokovic is a force to be reckoned with and will have a lot of confidence going into the US Open. The most difficult task in tennis today is to beat Djokovic in three out of five sets. Remember Tsitsipas at the French Open? He was up two sets to one and was denied the championship. These guys can usually get a win at the smaller tournaments that are two out of three. However, in three out of five scenarios, it becomes a monumental task.

It’s clear that it will be either Medvedev or Zverev meeting Djokovic in the final. So, out of the two, who has the edge on Djokovic? In my opinion, that answer is simple, it is Zverev. Zverev has been accumulating great results for the last year and seems to have not just confidence but also a commitment that is unmatched on the tour. Except for maybe Tsitsipas. However, on a hard court, I will take Zverev over Tsitsipas. Zverev has already shown he can take a couple of sets off Djokovic. The Olympic semifinal win was a big deal. In a future matchup, Djokovic will remember that loss.

Other contenders to the title will be as follows:

Stefanos Tsistipas: after an incredible year of achieving a career-high number three in the world, Tsitsipas looks to challenge for the title at the US Open. He’s in fine form and can sneak through the draw. He has an outside chance of beating the likes of Medvedev, Zverev, and Djokovic. His fitness and commitment to each point will be key for him to lift this title.

Andrey Rublev: Rublev had a signature win at Cincinnati, taking out US Open favorite Medvedev in spectacular fashion in the semifinals. Although he crashed out to Zverev in the final, the confidence he gained by beating Medvedev, who before that match had not allowed Rublev a set, will be huge as he contends for the US Open.

Matteo Berrettini: Berrettini is coming in behind the rest of these rising youngsters. It will take a lot to make another amazing run like the one he had at Wimbledon. However, with his big serve and big forehands, it can happen. Especially in a place like New York where the crowd will be going wild for the popular Italian.

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