US Open 2018: The four main contenders for the title at Flushing Meadows

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal holding the US Open title last year

Last year's champion at Flush Meadows enters the last major of the year in fine fettle and brimming with confidence after his victory in Toronto. The win in Canada forced Nadal to pull out of Cincinnati to preserve and conserve his body ahead of the US Open. The Spaniard, however, is no stranger when it comes to pulling out of tournaments and has had to contend with fitness and health issues right throughout his career.

Each one of the Spaniard's wins have had a rather significant on the 32-year-old's career. His first US Open title victory eight years ago meant that Nadal became the seventh man in history to win all four majors. The left-hand secured victory at the US Open three years later; a win that proved pivotal in Nadal ending the year as world No.1. His third win in New York last year completed a magnificent comeback after nearly three years without a Grand Slam and several early exits at majors during that time.

The US Open remains the Mallorcan's most successful Grand Slam tournament outside the red dirt of Roland Garros, with three victories to his name. No player, however, has retained the US Open since Roger Federer did so back in 2008. Could Rafael Nadal win a fourth title and make even more history?