Roger Federer’s supremacy on hard court is seriously threatened this year by two young stars who are determined to end the Swiss’ rule at Flushing Meadows, the fourth and final event of the Grand Slam tournaments.

Rafael Nadal failed to convince on fast surfaces this year, but at the US Open will definitely want to brush off any sign of doubt and take another shot at the title. He begins his race with a game against Australian Alun Jones, who received a wildcard from the tournament’s organizers.

Third seed Novak Djokovic will have a tougher task in the opening round against Croatian Mario Ancic, while the defending champion Federer will meet players coming from the qualifying rounds in the first two games.

Last week, the world number one got a perfect tune-up for the US Open with a victory in Cincinnati, clinching his 50th career title. But some dark clouds gathered over Federer’s court two weeks ago when the 20-year-old Serb outclassed him in Montreal.

“Montreal was probably the best tournament of my career,” a thrilled Djokovic said after defeating the Swiss, 7-6(2), 2-6, 7-6(2).

”I managed to do something which not many players did in the history of the tennis. I won against Roger in a tough match. I won two tie-breaks. It makes my success even bigger,” he said.

Before lifting the trophy over his head, “Nole” surpassed the second seed Nadal in the semifinals. He was quickly brought down in the second round at Cincinnati, but that bump didn’t hack his confidence saying he has “enough quality to challenge the best players of the world and to be one of the favourites to win this tournament.”

The other runner-up, Nadal, began his training in New York a week ago and says he is prepared both mental and psychical for a tough tournament.

“I've been here practicing hard, I have good preparation for this tournament,” the self-proclaimed king of clay said. “It was strange, in Cincinnati. I felt totally dizzy when I start the match. But after two days, I am fine, I'm so much better.”

As for the defending champion, he relaxed over the past days at a fashion event and played some rounds with Tim Henman, who announced this is his last season as a professional player.

Federer admitted he had some problems in Cincinnati, but got over them and played “the best in the finals.”

“In Cincinnati, I was really struggling with my rhythm. But in the end, I really played my best on the final day,” he said.

After “the best summer” of his life, the Swiss is aiming for a fourth consecutive title in New York and is confident his experience will prevail once more on the blue DecoTurf.