Editor's Note: These picks were made prior to Andy Murray's withdrawal from the US Open on Saturday.
ED MCGROGAN, SENIOR EDITOR: Rafael Nadal
Alexander Zverev could be considered the favorite, and Roger Federer is probably the smartest choice. But I don’t think we’ve heard the last from Rafa this season. He’s taken some frustrating hard-court defeats in August, but best-of-five-set play is a different animal, and the Spaniard remains one of the best equipped to handle it.
NINA PANTIC, ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Roger Federer
At the start of 2017, even one Slam would have been considered a miracle for Federer, who missed the last six months of last season due to injury. Now, here he is at No. 3 in the world with two majors, two ATP Masters titles and a record ninth victory in Halle. It’s outrageous to rule him out in his home away from home.
BRAD KALLET, ONLINE EDITOR: Roger Federer
If there was ever a tournament for Federer to get Slam No. 20, this is it. Nadal’s form has dipped on North American hard courts, Andy Murray is beat up and the Swiss won’t have to deal with Stan Wawrinka or Novak Djokovic. Most importantly, Roger is rested.
STEVE TIGNOR, SENIOR WRITER: Andy Murray
He’s coming off a hip injury that has sidelined him since Wimbledon, and not many believe he can win a second Open. But his draw gives him a chance. Nadal, Federer, Dominic Thiem and Nick Kyrgios are in the other half. If healthy, Murray is a solid favorite to make the final.
**Make your picks NOW in Tennis Channel's Racquet Bracket!**
MCGROGAN: Kevin Anderson
Ranked outside the Top 75 at Indian Wells, Anderson has since put forth a consistently strong—if under-the-radar—campaign. Fourth round Roland Garros, fourth round Wimbledon ... fourth round U.S. Open? He’ll likely need to beat Alexander Zverev to get there. But if nothing else, he'll give the trendy pick a real test.
PANTIC: Jared Donaldson
The American has been quietly making a name for himself amidst a crop of young talent. He’s on the cusp of the Top 50 and just reached his first ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal in Cincinnati. The charismatic Californian will be loose and excited to perform in front of a home crowd as he traverses on a promising section of the draw with seeds Lucas Pouille and David Ferrer.
KALLET:Juan Martin del Potro
Yes, he’s always banged up. No, he’s not the same player who won this tournament in 2009. But the fact remains that Delpo is still very dangerous, and has won on this stage before. Even at 75 percent, he's a player that nobody wants to see across the net. Look for him to make a run.
TIGNOR: Kevin Anderson
The 28th seed has reached just one Grand Slam quarterfinal, but it was at the U.S. Open in 2014, when he upset Murray. Anderson has had decent results this summer, including a trip to the Washington, D.C., final. Here he’s in the half without Federer, Nadal, Thiem and Kyrgios, which always helps.
