Olympic Tennis 2012: Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Other Updated U.S. Open Odds

The U.S. Open is a more wide-open field after Andy Murray's smashing win over Roger Federer for gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Sweeping Federer 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 in the Olympic final, Murray still remains the world's No. 4 but has built up an immense amount of confidence. As for the Swiss, Federer proved he can still bring it by surviving Juan Martin Del Potro in the semifinals.

So is Murray the favorite in New York City? Or does the Federer remain the ultimate contender after taking Wimbledon earlier this summer?

Ahead, we look at updated odds for those who can make a run toward victory in the Big Apple.

Full view of current world rankings courtesy of ATP World Tour.

Roger Federer, Switzerland

After Wimbledon, the U.S. Open is Roger Federer's best tournament.

With five wins, six finals appearances and at least the semifinals every year since 2004, the Swiss will bounce back in America.

Coming off the win over Murray at Wimbledon then the Olympic final loss, Federer is the world's best and the hard court favors his ability to extend/win more volleys. If we learned anything from him at the Olympics, it's that Federer won't give in easy.

His battle with Juan Martin Del Potro was evidence of that, and you can bet he'll want to avenge the loss to Murray. Just when we thought Federer was winding down after two straight semifinal bounces in Australia and France this year, the maestro is back on the upswing.

Odds: 1 in 7

Andy Murray, Great Britain

Andy Murray is easily playing his best tennis ever right now.

Getting to the final at Wimbledon then wiping Roger Federer off the court at the Olympics was pure dominance. The Summer Games competition was certainly a lot stronger than given credit for and Murray possesses much momentum heading into the U.S. Open.

That said, the man still has to prove he can win a Grand Slam before becoming the ultimate favorite. A potential grudge match against Federer won't go over so smoothly and you can anticipate the rest of the field targeting him.

Now with higher expectations and more hype to live up to then ever before, it'll be interesting to see how well Murray responds. He's hitting a rhythm so proving that he can remain consistent is the next step.

Odds: 1 in 10

Juan Martin Del Potro, Argentina

Juan Martin Del Potro proved how mentally tough he is at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

He heartbreaking loss to Roger Federer after leading 1-0 in sets and the 19-17 marathon was beyond devastating. However, Del Potro displayed impressive poise by forcing his way through Novak Djokovic for bronze.

It would certainly have been easy for anyone to crumble after a loss like that to Federer, and especially so with the world's No. 2 for the bronze medal. In addition, the U.S. Open has been Del Potro's best tournament as it remains his lone Grand Slam (2009 over Federer).

This season is also Del Potro's best and most consistent after making the quarterfinals in Australia and France. Plus, the hard court bodes well for his blazing serve and strong returns to prevent longer volleys. 

Odds: 1 in 12

Novak Djokovic, Serbia

Novak Djokovic is hitting a minor bump in the road after some incredible success.

From the 2010 U.S. Open through the 2012 French Open, Djokovic made it to the final in every Grand Slam except one (2011 Roland-Garros). Unfortunately, Djokovic fell short at Wimbledon this past year to Roger Federer and then was out-played by Andy Murray in the Olympics.

In the bronze medal match versus Juan Martin Del Potro, Djokovic struggled uncharacteristically at break points and volleys from second serves. On the bright side, the U.S. Open has been one of his most consistently productive tournaments and he is the defending champion.

Entering the Big Apple, though, he doesn't have the momentum but that only makes him more dangerous. All eyes will be mostly focused on Murray and Federer, so Djokovic could certainly find himself making a deep run.

Odds: 1 in 20

Rafael Nadal, Spain

Rafael Nadal still ranks No. 3 in the world but it doesn't feel like it.

Sure he won the Roland-Garros again, however, that was expected unlike his Round 2 exit during Wimbledon. Now include Nadal not competing at the Summer Olympics and it's reasonable to suspect a rocky tournament for him.

Despite being a finalist the past two years, Nadal sees Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro entering with a supreme amount of confidence. Not to mention, but the U.S. Open historically is Nadal's worst Grand Slam.

A quarterfinal or semifinal appearance would not be at all surprising, but considering that he dropped out of Toronto per ESPN, anything more would be surprising.

Odds: 1 in 30

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