#3 Rafael Nadal
Despite concerns over his wrist injury, Nadal played at the Rio Olympics and put up a good show, reaching the semi-finals of the singles tournament and winning the gold medal at the Men’s doubles tournament. The King of Clay has surely redeemed himself at Rio and will be looking to put up a much better showing at Flushing Meadows.
Injuries prevented Nadal from playing at his best but now he has returned to full fitness and is a heavy dark horse to win the title if not a favorite. Since beating Novak Djokovic to win his ninth French Open title in 2014, Nadal’s performances in Grand Slams deteriorated as in the Grand Slams that have followed, he has only made it to the quarter-finals twice.
However, this time it is bound to be different for the fourth seed as he looks to win a third US Open title and a fifteenth Grand Slam title.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here