Djokovic, Nadal Betting Favourites To Win US Open Tennis Title

Rafael Nadal is expected to make some noise at the U.S. Open.
Rafael Nadal is expected to make a real racket at the U.S. Open.

World number one Novak Djokovic insists Rafael Nadal is the man to beat at the upcoming US Open tennis major.

The fourth and final grand slam of the 2013 season begins on Monday and Nadal’s form since returning to action in February after seven months out injured has been sensational.

The Spaniard moved up to No. 2 in the world rankings last week and has a 15-0 record on hard courts this season, having won the Masters titles in Indian Wells, Montreal and Cincinnati.

He goes into the US Open full of confidence as he aims to win his second title at Flushing Meadows following his success there three years ago.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Djokovic pinpointed Nadal as his primary threat.

He said: “Nadal is definitely back and playing maybe the best tennis that he ever has played on hard courts.

“He’s definitely so far the best player this year. There is no question about it. The results are showing everything.”

Defending champion Andy Murray and Roger Federer concurred with this view, with the Scot saying Nadal would be “very difficult to beat” in New York, while Federer admitted he was impressed by the Spaniard’s current form.

The key to Nadal’s success has been his more aggressive attitude on the faster hard courts, with his desire to hit the ball early resulting in his improved performances on the surface. The Spaniard has readily admitted this, but stressed that he has had reasonable success on this terrain in the past.

Sportsbooks list Djokovic at +188 to win the US Open, with Nadal +188, Murray +333 and Federer +1100.