When it comes to naming possible contenders for the US Open men’s title the same names are mentioned – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Three of the most well known and accomplished players in the history of the sport. But what about those living in their shadows?
For years pundits and fans have been hoping for the next player to break through and prove that men’s tennis will be fine beyond the era of the Big Three. There has been glimpses in previous grand slams. Ranging from two-time French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem to Australian Open semi-finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. Yet the general consensus is that if any of those players were to win a major title, it would require a mammoth effort.
“There are a few guys that have a real shot to win it. Don’t count out any of the young guys, either.” World No.6 Alexander Zverrev told reporters over the weekend.
“Obviously Dominic Thiem has been playing great. Daniil Medvedev has been playing great. Obviously the big three we don’t need to talk about.’
“Novak is the big favourite, no question about it, but there are other guys that have been playing great tennis. I think those guys will be able to do some damage, and we’ll see how it goes.”
22-year-old Zverev has long been mentioned as a future star of the sport. He looked on the verge of rising to the top when he claimed the ATP Finals title last November. However, his roller coaster 2019 has been marred by issues both on and off the court. As for the grand slams, he has only reached the quarter-final stage twice in 17 appearances. At the US Open, he is yet to go beyond the third round.
“It’s the first time in probably a few years where I’m not a favourite in any way at a Grand Slam, and it takes some pressure off, as well. It’s a different mindset for me now.” He said.
“We’ll see how it goes, but I’m excited.”
Watched Zverev practice for an hour today. Tons of double faults. Rublev pushed him around. Bunch of racket throws. Not pretty.
— Nick Nemeroff (@NNemeroff) August 25, 2019
At the other end of the spectrum is Daniil Medvedev, who has enjoyed a sensational time on the tour since Wimbledon. Reaching three finals within as many weeks. It was at The Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, where he would claim his maiden Masters 1000 title and subsequently a spot in the world’s top 10 for the first time.
There is no doubt that the Russian is one of the most in form players at present. He has already won 44 matches this season, which is more than any other player on the ATP Tour. However, is he ready to make a statement in the grand slams?
“I don’t consider myself as one of the favourites just because at this moment of my career I haven’t even been in a quarterfinal of a slam.” Said Medvedev. “So I say that if I get to the quarterfinal, it’s going to be already a step forward and I’m going to be really happy about it’
“But the three weeks I made really pushed a lot my confidence. Now I know that when I play my best tennis I can beat basically everybody, and that’s what I need to keep doing.”
In the past decade six players outside of the Big Three has contested a US Open final. One of those is Japan’s Kei Nishikori, who lost the title match back in 2014. A rare occasion when no member of the illustrious trio contested the final. Something that has only occurred twice since 2003.
Nishikori will admit that he is an outsider when it comes to contesting for the title. However, the 29-year-old is refusing to give up on his grand slam dream.
“I feel a lot of confidence from that memory, playing final first time in a Grand Slam. But I also always think that I could play a little better in a final. I lost straight sets. I didn’t do well.” He reflected.
“I had my best result of a Grand Slam at the US Open. I think I have a lot of confidence playing this tournament. Very excited.”
There are also players not to rule out. Felix Auger-Aliassime is currently in the midst of a breakout season, Stan Wawrinka knows what it takes to win a grand slam title and the always unpredictable Nick Kyrgios has the game to upset the top players if he is in the right mindset. However, John McEnroe believes for the moment players must play a waiting game.
“Perhaps with a little bit of luck something happens where a draw opens up. They’re human. At some stage they’re going to start losing more.” The former world No.1 commented about the Big Three.
The US Open main draw will get underway on Monday.
US Open men’s finals since 2009
| 2009 | Juan Martín del Potro | DEF | Roger Federer | 3–6, 7–6(7–5), 4–6, 7–6(7–4), 6–2 | |
| 2010 | Rafael Nadal | DEF | Novak Djokovic | 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–2 | |
| 2011 | Novak Djokovic | DEF | Rafael Nadal | 6–2, 6–4, 6–7(3–7), 6–1 | |
| 2012 | Andy Murray | DEF | Novak Djokovic | 7–6(12–10), 7–5, 2–6, 3–6, 6–2 | |
| 2013 | Rafael Nadal | DEF | Novak Djokovic | 6–2, 3–6, 6–4, 6–1 | |
| 2014 | Marin Čilić | DEF | Kei Nishikori | 6–3, 6–3, 6–3 | |
| 2015 | Novak Djokovic | DEF | Roger Federer | 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4 | |
| 2016 | Stan Wawrinka | DEF | Novak Djokovic | 6–7(1–7), 6–4, 7–5, 6–3 | |
| 2017 | Rafael Nadal | DEF | Kevin Anderson | 6–3, 6–3, 6–4 | |
| 2018 | Novak Djokovic | DEF | Juan Martín del Potro | 6–3, 7–6(7–4), 6–3 |
note: non big three players in bold
