Roger Federer: Why US Open Is Fed's to Lose

When the US Open begins on Monday, August 27th, five-time tournament champion Roger Federer will enter as the clear favorite to win his sixth title.

Essentially, it's his tournament to lose. 

One major reason most believe Fed to be the undisputed favorite for the tourney is because of the absence of 2010 US Open champion Rafael Nadal due to a lingering knee issue. 

This leaves Federer's true tests as Andy Murray of Great Britain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia. 

And despite losing to the hometown Murray in the Olympic Gold Medal match, Fed is playing arguably some of his best tennis at age 31. 

Federer will also enter the US Open coming off an unprecedented fifth title at the Cincinnati Masters, defeating rival Novak Djokovic by a dominant 6-0, 7-6 (9-7).

Roger's 2012 Grand Slam resume goes as such: 

Australian Open: Semifinal loss to Rafael Nadal 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 4-6

French Open: Semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic 4-6, 5-7, 3-6

Wimbledon: Won versus Andy Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4

Winning the final two majors of the 2012 season would certainly put a cap on a fantastic year for Roger Federer. He'll have to go through two guys that have beaten him at major tournaments this season, though. 

He's up to the challenge. Honestly, I can't even believe that he's 31-years-old now because he still looks 25. 

With a win at the Open, Roger would surpass both Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras as the man with the most wins ever at the US Open. And you know he knows that. 

It's not going to a cake walk for Fed but there is no question that the US Open is definitely his tournament to lose.