'If Nadal, Djokovic Don't Participate, I Can Win US Open,' Claims World No. 13

ATP World No. 13 Taylor Fritz has claimed he could be one of the contenders to win the US Open if the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic do not participate in the New York Grand Slam.

Being a local player, Fritz could have massive backing going into the Flushing Meadows event, which is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29. Fritz, who turned pro in 2015, has never crossed the third round at US Open. Overall in the Grand Slams, Fritz's best finish so far has been reaching the quarters, which he did at Wimbledon this year.

Fritz did not make it any easy for Nadal, who later on revealed he was suffering from an abdominal injury, in their last-eight meeting at the All England Club in June.

The 24-year-old has reached an ATP final twice this year and has won on both occasions. His second title was a special victory as he defeated Nadal to claim the Indian Wells ATP 1000 Masters trophy.

Fritz, who is currently competing in the Citi Open, has been named in the men's main draw for Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open.

In a recent post-match interview, reporters asked Fritz about his chances in the ongoing North America tour, given that Djokovic is likely out due to his vaccination status and Nadal is dealing with injuries.

The young American star replied that if he continues to play well, he will definitely have a great chance of winning his maiden Grand Slam before adding that he isn't thinking much about it.

"The things that I'm kind of focused on right now are the top 10. That's just one good result away. I'm not really thinking too much about the US Open Series. I'm just trying to get some good results in any of these tournaments. You know, if Rafa and Novak are not in, and I'm playing well, then I'm definitely a contender to win the US Open Series. But I'm not really thinking about that as much as the year-end Finals and being top 10," Fritz said in the interview.

Nadal, who has won four titles this year including two Grand Slams, was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon ahead of his semi-final fixture due to an abdominal injury. However, he has recovered and is expected to play in Canada next week.

Meanwhile, Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic has said he does not expect the U.S. government to tweak rules to allow the Serbian player to participate in the US Open.

"Novak will do everything to be there, maybe he will get a special visa. But there are only two weeks. And, personally, I have zero hope that [Joe] Biden will change the rules before the tournament starts," Ivanisevic told La Repubblica.