This year, once again, the talented Russian men, Rublev and Medvedev, will descend unto the US Open with hopes of conquest. This year though, they will bring an extra warrior, by the name of Aslan Karatsev, who shocked the tennis world with his fantastic play earlier this year. Although he’s cooled down as of late, he will be extremely dangerous on the hard courts, just like Rublev and Medvedev.

Rublev and Medvedev have had some fantastic results at the US Open. Rublev is a two-time quarterfinalist while Medvedev is a former finalist and semifinalist. Both men, along with Karatsev can go deep in the US Open draw, especially with both Federer and Thiem out with injury.

The only men that could contend with this trio of Russians are Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal. Medvedev leads the pack and will be a favorite to win the US Open alongside Novak Djokovic. He is in fine form as expected and is coming fresh from a win at the Canadian Open. He was blitzed at the Australian Open by Djokovic, however, the hard courts of the US Open is where Daniil feels most at home. A rematch of the Australian Open final is on the horizon for Medvedev.

Rublev on the other hand was the hottest player on tour late last year and into the beginning of this year before he hit a wall. Since the Spring, his results have not been as solid. He starts getting hot in the summer though, and I expect him to post a solid run at the US Open.

Finally, there’s Karatsev, who reached the Australian Open semis earlier this year and then proceeded to solidify his top 30 status by winning Dubai and reaching the final of the Serbian Open, beating Novak Djokovic along the way. On a hard court, Karatsev can inflict some serious damage with his powerful game. He’s had a little bit of a drop in his level as of late. However, don’t count him out. He’s an upset machine.

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