It was Roger Federer versus Andy Murray at Wimbledon. Then it was Roger Federer versus Andy Murray at the 2012 London Olympics. Is there a possibility that they will go for the trifecta and meet for a third consecutive in a meaningful tournament at the U.S. Open?
Rafael Nadal was eliminated early at Wimbledon, which opened doors for players like Murray
Nadal then pulled out from the Olympics as his knee injury prevented him from competing in London leaving Murray, Federer and Djokovic as the favorites.
Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro had a chance to win bronze in the Olympics and his triumph was associated to the fact that Nadal was not around. Had the Spaniard Nadal been healthy, everybody would have predicted a Finals match and bronze match going down between the 'Big Four:' Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray.
So what are the chances of a Murray vs. Federer at the U.S. Open?
Very likely, despite Murray not making a lot of noise in the past week.
Murray did not participate in Toronto during the Rogers Cup. Djokovic took the title and there was no Federer either.
Federer finished defeating Djokovic in the Cincinnati Open, proving he is still in tip-top shape.
Murray has risen to the occasion in the recent Grand Slams and has been knocking on the door. He is still pursuing his first major title so his drive, accompanied by his skill should get him to the Finals alone.
He is currently 15-3 in 2012 in Grand Slam matches. He played until the quarterfinals at the French Open. He was the runner-up at Wimbledon and he went all the way to the semifinals in the Australian Open.
Those Grand Slam titles went to Nadal, Federer and Djokovic respectively. Maybe it is time for Murray to get his.
Federer continues to control all of the tournaments he competes in. The biggest question will be his healthy, but as of late, at 31 years of age, he is performing at a high level and should breeze by the first three rounds of the competition.
