The US Open: Analyzing the draw of the Big 4

The US Open is finally upon us. After almost a two-month wait post-Wimbledon, the final Grand Slam of the year kickstarted yesterday at Flushing Meadows. Here, we have a look at the kind of draws that have been handed out to the original ‘Big 4’.

Rafael Nadal

Injuries have taken a toll on the 2010 and 2013 Champion, who has had a year to forget till now, but, if there’s one thing we have learned from looking at his career, it is that “giving up” is a phrase that doesn’t exist for him. This time around, he has been handed a not so difficult draw, which should sail him till the 4th round, where he will run into Raonic or Verdasco, most probably. And if he overcomes this hurdle, then waiting for him in the QF will be Novak Djokovic, the man who finally ended the surreal Rafa Nadal French Open dream. Without contemplating any major upsets, and seeing the kind of form both of them are in, I think it is safe to say QF is the maximum Nadal will go this time around. But then, I’ll be the happiest guy if he proves me wrong and progresses further. The game is poorer without a fully fit Rafa Nadal.

Andy Murray

Andy Murray has a monster of a fight at his hands in the first round itself, against talented, erratic Nick Kyrgios. Post that, it should be plain sailing till the 4th round where he might run into Kevin Anderson, whom he beat in the race up to Wimbledon. At the QF stage, he might run into Stan Wawrinka. And if he succeeds there, permanent foe, Roger Federer might be waiting in the SF. Nothing can be said here since Murray comes into his own on the fast courts here at the US Open.

Roger Federer

Roger Federer has a relatively easy draw, and his ship shouldn’t run into turbulent waters until the later stages of the tournament. He could have a meeting with Philipp Kohlschreiber in the 3rd round. The 4th and 5th rounds might see him go up against big servers- Karlovic/Isner in the 4th, Berdych in the 5th. If he beats the defending champion, he could go up against either Andy Murray or fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka in the SFs. The Wimbledon swatting away of Murray is still fresh in everyone’s mind, but these are the hardcourts of Flushing Meadows, the pace might worry Federer.

Novak Djokovic

An imperious form in another imperious year for Nole. Having conquered Australian Open and Wimbledon again in the march to immortality, Djokovic is marching to his own tunes this year, handing out lessons to anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path. He has the easiest of all draws, with a potential fourth round match with David Goffin his first real test. The QF might pit him up against Rafa Nadal while the SF might see him go up against defending Champion Marin Cilic. Regardless of the opponents, it looks hard to stop Novak Djokovic.