US Open 2013: Experts' picks for the men's draw

4. Champion

Rafael Nadal

Haresh Ramchandani: Rafael Nadal may have won back-to-back Masters series titles, but I still think Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray would be favoured over the Spaniard when it comes to best-of-five sets on hardcourts. Murray seems to be struggling to find his game in America after that historic Wimbledon win and while Djokovic hasn’t had the best build-up either, I’m tipping the Serb’s fitness and mental toughness to win him the US Open this year.

SivaramL: There have been just two men to have done the Canada-Cincy double in the last 15 years and both have gone on to win the Open in those years. The odds are heavily stacked in favour of the hottest player on tour – Rafael Nadal – but I am going out on a limb and predicting that Andy Murray will tame the Spaniard in the final to retain the championship.

Virendra: He began the year by winning the first Grand Slam in Australia, and he will end it by claiming the last one. Novak Djokovic is hurting right now. He is the World No. 1, but has seen the aura around him dented by losses to Nadal and Murray in big matches. He loves the American hardcourts and will be keen to convert on another Slam trophy after falling short in Paris and London. Last year, he rose to quell the challenge from Federer, who briefly displaced him as No. 1, and he will do the same this year against Nadal. I’m picking the ‘Djoker’ to beat Rafa in the final in a thrilling five-setter; now wouldn’t that be something.

Roh: Novak Djokovic. Despite having been outshone by Rafael Nadal in the tournaments leading up to the US Open, Djokovic nonetheless will be the man to beat and the player to watch out for.

Ram Narayanan: With already nine titles under his belt, including three on hardcourts, it is impossible to look beyond Rafael Nadal here. The southpaw is on a roll this year and, with both Djokovic and Murray badly out of shape, this year’s US Open seems to be well within his grasp. I predict the 2010 champion to have the last laugh this year.

BallnRacquet: Rafael Nadal. At the moment, his is the first name that comes to your mind when asked about the favourite to lift the trophy at Flushing Meadows. Exhibited supreme form this season since his return from a knee injury, Nadal has won nine titles in 2013, including the Montreal-Cincinnati double. He is the US Open series leader and a firm favourite to thwart any opponent in the final to win his second US Open title.

Sumer: Coming off of his recent victory at Wimbledon, Scotland’s Andy Murray should be full of confidence, especially at a place where he won his first Major title. While his draw beyond the first week may seem tough, it is important to note that Murray has what the other top players don’t – an easy first week. Expect him to soar through Rounds 1, 2 and 3 and post gritty wins in week No. 2 on his way to a title defence.

Musab Abid: It will feel really strange if Rafael Nadal finishes his tremendous 2013 with just one Grand Slam title to his name. He has looked near-invincible since his comeback in February, and his victory over Djokovic in Montreal may even have helped him exorcise a few demons in his head. The Spaniard had always been considered susceptible to the odd hardcourt upset against big hitters in the past, but with his recent straight set wins over Tomas Berdych, Milos Raonic and John Isner, the Spaniard looks set to ride his confidence all the way to his third hardcourt Slam title.