5. The other contenders
Apart from the top 4, there are a few other players who could have a shot at winning the US Open. Here they are, in no particular order:
Juan Martin Del Potro - The big-serving Argentine has also had a decent 2018. He reached the quarter-final at Wimbledon, the semi-final at Roland Garros, and won his maiden Masters title at Indian Wells. Del Potro can push the Big 3 to perform at their very best if they want to get past him.
Dominic Thiem - The next big thing in tennis, this Austrian youngster has come a long way and has been a consistent top 10 player for a couple of years. Having lost in the final of the French Open to the King of Clay, Thiem has a lot to prove when the hardcourt preparations kick off next week in the build-up to the US Open.
Kevin Anderson - Anderson is a clear underdog, but is a force to reckon with going into the year's final Slam. Having defeated Federer on his way to the final of Wimbledon this year, the big-serving South African is ready to create a few more upsets at Flushing Meadows as well. He was the finalist last year at the US Open, losing to Nadal, and would again be looking to give all the fan favorites a tough time with his big serves and swashbuckling forehands.
Andy Murray - A former US Open champion (in the year 2012), Murray is still recovering from his hip surgery and is not at his best yet. But if he regains his form in the next two Masters events, expect him to make a bit of noise in New York.
Alexander Zverev - Zverev reached his first Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros, but suffered a let-down in the following Major as he bowed out of the 3rd round at Wimbledon. He still resides in the top 5 of the ATP rankings, and would want to do justice to his potential by finally reaching a Slam semifinal.
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