What Rafael Nadal's Loss to Gilles Muller Means for US Open 2017

Rafael Nadal couldn't follow up his French Open victory with a win at Wimbledon, losing an epic five-set match to Gilles Muller on Monday during the fourth round. 

Although Nadal had battled back from losing the first two sets with two set wins of his own, the fifth set appeared like it would never end. Muller ended up getting the better hand with a 15-13 finish.

Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated described the impact:

Wimbledon was never Nadal's best event, although he does have two wins in his career. With that said, he hasn't reached the quarterfinals since 2011, a run that will extend until at least 2018.

Considering he has also struggled in recent years at the U.S. Open, including back-to-back early exits in 2015 and 2016, the remainder of the 2017 season doesn't appear likely to be as good as the start of it was for the Spaniard.

Nadal has won the U.S. Open twice, in 2010 and 2013, though his previous exits and his disappointing showing at Wimbledon make him unlikely to be amongst the favorites. 

Much could change between now and late August, of course. Nadal could go on a hot streak and head into the tournament in elite form. He could slump as well or injuries could creep into the picture. A lot is left to be determined before the tennis world descends upon New York. 

Wimbledon, in turn, is wide open this year even with Muller as the biggest underdog left in the field. Roger Federer skipped the entire clay court season and looks as good as ever through the opening few rounds. Novak Djokovic has played poorly for most of this season, at least by his own lofty standards, but he is still dangerous.

Andy Murray, the defending champion at Wimbledon and winner of two of the past three, is arguably still the favorite. However, the top players in the sport still have a chance to come through with a surprise.

If Djokovic wins his match Monday, five of the top eight players in the field will have reached the quarterfinals.

But here's the thing: Since 2003, only four men—Federer (seven times), Murray (twice), Djokovic (twice) and Nadal (twice)—have won at Wimbledon.

Even with one of those men now eliminated, it would still take a major feat from one of the other competitors to finish on top.