Men's 2011 U.S. Open: Ranking Rafa Nadal and the Top 5 Contenders

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are beginning to get ready for one of the bigger Grand Slams of the year: the 2011 U.S. Open.

The U.S. Open will be an exciting one for fans and people around the game of tennis, as there is no shortage of drama and anticipation. Djokovic has put together a year to remember in tennis history, while Nadal, Federer and Murray are arguably just as capable to bring home a Grand Slam title.

Here are the top five conteders at the 2011 U.S. Open and the odds that each player will win the U.S. Open championship.

5. Juan Martin Del Potro

Odds to win 2011 U.S. Open:        13/2

 

Juan Martin Del Potro is a arguably a top five contendor at this year's U.S. Open, yet the chances Del Potro is able to come up with a title run will be tough to manage with such a talented top four. 

To his credit Del Potro has put up solid figures this seeason, winning two singles titles and putting together a fourth round run at Wimbledon. He is also a solid 31-8 on the year right now and is in the second round of the ATP Rogers Cup.

4. Andy Murray

Odds to win 2011 U.S. Open:        13/2

 

Although Andy Murray has the same odds as Del Potro going into this year's tourney, tennis fans and analysts have to believe Murray has as  solid a shot as any player to come up with a U.S. Open title.

What makes the feat difficult for Murray to win, is simply the fact he is yet to win a Grand Slam. Murray has a tendency to come up short when it counts, yet he is without question talented enough to win one.

Murray was recently eliminated from the ATP Rogers Cup 6-1. 6-3 by Kevin Anderson, the # 35 ranked player in the world, speaking to his minor struggles as of late to get it done.

3. Roger Federer

Odds to win 2011 U.S. Open:        9/2

 

The odds aren't as favorable for Roger Federer as they are for Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, yet does that mean Federer is really the third best player going into the 2011 U.S Open?

Maybe not.

Federer knows a thing or two about winning on the U.S. Open stage, as he took all five tournament titles  in a row between 2004 and 2008. Given his success on this stage, it is important to take into account that Federer could easily put together a run and add another Grand Slam title to his 16 and counting.

2. Rafael Nadal

Odds to win 2011 U.S. Open:        5/2

 

Rafael Nadal might have the second-best odds to win the 2011 U.S. Open, yet he might arguably have a better shot than Novak Djokovic to take the title on this year's stage.

Nadal recently lost his ATP number one world ranking at Wimbledon, and would eventually lose to Djokovic in the championship match.

What gives Nadal an edge is the fact that he is playing with a chip on his shoulder and knows he has to act fast to try and get back his number one ranking. It is a mental advantage that could play a significant role in a head-to-head match between the two. Nadal is also the 2010 U.S. Open champion, which could play well into his favor.

1. Novak Djokovic

Odds to win 2011 U.S. Open: 7/4

There is no surprise as to why Novak Djokovic is the outright favorite at the 2011 U.S. Open tournament. This year he has climbed up the ranks, and is now the ATP men's No. 1 player in the world.

Djokovic has done it in stunning style, winning 43 games in a row and entering the tournament with a 47-1 on the year.

Will he win the tournament? Can he keep the hot streak going?

Ultimately Rafael Nadal might give Djokovic a run for his money, yet their is no question Djokovic has to be the favorite going into this year's U.S. Open.

Luis Batlle is a Featured Columnist with Bleacher Report and specializes in NBA (Boston Celtics), NFL, International Soccer and Tennis.

Follow Luis Batlle on Twitter :