US Open 2017: Players under the most pressure on the men’s draw

1. Rafael Nadal

This may not seem entirely fair, but Rafael Nadal recently secured the world No. 1 ranking for the first time since 2014. He doesn’t necessarily need to win the 2017 US Open, but anything less than an appearance in the quarterfinals would be disappointing.

Considering Nadal lost in the fourth round at the 2016 US Open and the third round at the 2015 event, it’s far from a foregone conclusion that he’ll make a deep run—even now that he is healthy.

Nadal undoubtedly deserves to be ranked No. 1, but the US Open will be something of a proving ground. It’s been four years since he last reached the quarterfinal at the event, as well as four years since he last won it.

If Nadal fails to end that drought, it’s plausible that he could lose his No. 1 ranking by the end of the 2017 calendar year—especially if Roger Federer wins his third Grand Slam of the year.

Moreover, Nadal can go a long way towards improving his all-time standing by winning his 16th career Grand Slam title. It would put more distance between he and Novak Djokovic, and further dispel the irresponsible myth that he only wins on clay.

A third US Open crown would solidify Nadal’s place as the world No. 1, improve his all-time standing, and bring him within three titles of Roger Federer’s record 19 Grand Slam crowns.

Must Read: US Open 2017: Players under the most pressure on the women's draw

Failing to at least reach the quarterfinal would give another star an opportunity to remove Rafael Nadal from his perch as the No. 1 player on the ATP World Tour.