US Open men's draw breakdown - Predicting a Djokovic vs Federer final

Fourth Quarter –

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

The draw gods are going all out to ensure that the fans get their fill of Federer vs Nadal before the sun sets on this rivalry. The two have played thrice this year already and if they meet for the 32nd time this fortnight, it would be their first meeting at Flushing Meadows.

Nadal won back-to-back Masters Series titles in Montreal and Cincinnati to make himself the front-runner for the year-end world no. 1 ranking and his performance in New York will go a long way in determining if he can take over the top spot from Djokovic.

The Spaniard opens up against plucky 21-year-old American Ryan Harrison, who always seems to draw a top player in the early rounds at a Slam. 27th seed Fernando Verdasco should not pose too many problems in the third round but Nadal’s big test could come in the last 16 where he is slated to meet the big serving American John Isner.

Isner is 13-3 on hardcourts after Wimbledon and finished second to Nadal in the US Open series. While he has never beaten Nadal in four career meetings, Isner did stretch Nadal to five sets on clay at the French Open a few years ago. When that serve and forehand is groovin’ and if the New York crowd gets behind him, Isner could stretch Nadal to the limit once again.

On the other hand, Federer has a relatively smoother passage to the quarters. 26th seed American Sam Querrey in the third round, and 11th seed Kei Nishikori or 19th seed Tommy Robredo, should be beatable opponents for the 32-year-old, even in his current form.

Also watch out for – Bernard Tomic, Gael Monfils and Vasek Pospisil

Upset Special – Ivan Dodog to upset 27th seed Fernando Verdasco

Predicted Quarter-Final – Nadal vs. Federer

Semi-Finals – Djokovic vs Murray; Raonic vs. Federer

Finals – Djokovic to beat Federer