Top 5 Challengers for Tennis' Big Three

New York City is all about competition—only the strong survive. These five male contenders for this year's US Open are ready to do battle with tennis' big three.

With the smell of victory within their grasp, who is ready to make their mark on the grandest stage and take home the coveted crown—US Open Champion?

Andy Murray

After reaching the finals in three major hard court tournaments this year, Andy Murray is looking for his first Grand Slam title. Everyone thought this guy would have a title by now.

Andy was a finalist in 2008 and would go on to lose in straight sets to Roger Federer. He became the first Brit since Greg Rusedski in 1997 to reach a Grand Slam final.

Andy has so many skills. Next to Novak Djokovic, he is the second best mover on hard courts. When he steps on the court, he is immediately at home. He has marvelous shot-making ability and his agility makes for a quick defense.

Andy has not played his best tennis since 2008. In order for him to win here, he needs to be fresh, prepared and able to leave it all out on the court.

Juan Martin del Potro

Juan Martin Del Potro won the US Open in 2009 in a five-setter upset against Roger Federer. After not defending his US Open title last year due to a wrist injury, Del Potro is ready to regain his crown.

Del Potro is a big, strong guy whose game is improving. He has a solid serve and powerful volleys. When he starts hitting forehands at you, you better get out of the way.

Del Potro's downfall is that his injury put him out the game for a long time. While he was recuperating, others were stepping up to fill his shoes. He will need to pull out all the stops if he plans on going the distance.

Robin Soderling

Robin Soderling is an interesting guy because he has huge weapons. He has had success in regular tournaments this year but struggled in Grand Slams relative to his expectations.

Soderling is dangerous because he crushes the ball very similarly to Del Potro. Where he differs is that while he can hit the high forehand, it is flat, which is easier to return.

Soderling gets a lot of points off his first serve. He takes players off their games because he just goes for the shot but his play is erratic.

Even though he has never won a Grand Slam, many players have never beaten him.

Soderling has increased confidence and loves to play the hard courts. If he can put it all together, he could be the player to beat.

David Ferrer

David Ferrer is a guy who is going to cause a lot of trouble at the US Open. He's a hard worker and he can move, run and retreat better than any player.

Ferrer proved it all at Davis Cup this year. Spain was trailing the US when he took out Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish to give Spain the win. It was a remarkable display of sportsmanship and athleticism.

Ferrer is the most underrated player on the tour. He has been a top 10 player for many years. He has never won a Grand Slam, but he never gave it to his opponent either.

If it's hot and humid, which is usually the case in New York, he is a player that does not struggle.

With the right draw, he could win because he is the fittest and the most tenacious player.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga gave his best results at Wimbledon this year when he beat Roger Federer in a stellar five set match. Federer had never lost a match when leading by two sets before. Tsonga proved his mettle here.

Tsonga showed off his athleticism at Wimbledon and this win made him a better and more efficient player. He is fast, quick and not afraid to get up to the net to volley.

The New York crowd loves a player who shows his emotions and engages them. That is what Tsonga does best. If he brings that same Wimbledon game here, coupled with his gregariousness, the crowd will carry him to victory.