LAS VEGAS — Novak Djokovic outlasted Roger Federer in a five-set thriller at Wimbledon last month to claim his 16th major title, putting the “The Joker” back in the middle of the GOAT debate.

Djokovic has won two of the year’s first three Grand Slam events to close the gap on Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (18). Each major takes on more importance in the race of these three champions to be considered the greatest of this generation and maybe of all time.

Djokovic is making tennis history with his recent success. He has won four of the past five majors and six of the past 10. His match record in majors over the past two years is 40-2 and he’s the clear betting favorite (-110 at William Hill) heading into the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows.

Despite his success, the sense is Djokovic is playing with a chip on his shoulder and is supremely motivated to win his third major this year. Federer (5/1) and Nadal (4/1) would be the only other candidates to win.

For betting value, look at the quarter of the draw in which No. 4 seed Dominic Thiem (25/1) is the top seed. Hard courts are not his best surface (107-82 record), so search for a player or two in that section who can reach the semifinals. Stefanos Tsitsipas (25/1) and Andrey Rublev (12/1-field) meet in the first round of that quadrant, and Nick Kyrgios (25/1), Roberto Bautista Agut (12/1-field and Gael Monfils (12/1-field) are among the seeded players who will compete there.

Men to watch

Daniil Medvedev (15/1): Of all the young players challenging to break through, Medvedev has been the most consistent. He just won at Cincinnati, and sports a huge serve that is tough to break and consistent play from the baseline that can challenge the top players. His mental game seems the most consistent of all the young guys, which seems to be the key difference.

The Russian teenager shocked Federer in straight sets in Cincinnati this month. He has been playing very good tennis on hard courts with several other wins over top-20 players. This is an exciting new talent to keep your eyes on as a possible sleeper.

Taylor Fritz (12/1-field): The former U.S. junior champion is the youngest American player (21) with a hope for a deep run. He has had a great year with two finals and several positive results against the top players. He is improving and gaining confidence. With the rowdy New York crowds behind him, he will be a dangerous opponent.

Women’s singles

In January, defending U.S. Open champ Naomi Osaka won the Australian Open. It has been a whirlwind year for Osaka, who became the No. 1 player, lost that ranking and hired a new coach. Osaka (17/2) is one of the favorites, but has been inconsistent. Hard courts are not the best surface for the other major winners — Ashleigh Barty (10/1) from the French Open and Simona Halep (6/1) from Wimbledon — heading into the U.S. Open.

Betting favorite Serena Williams (3/1) made it to the Wimbledon final and made the finals in Toronto, but pulled out with an injury and that’s a huge concern.

The stage is set for a group of talented teenage players from the U.S. and all over the world to shine under the bright lights of the Big Apple. All have shown they can win on the tour and make deep runs in the majors. Bianca Andreescu (15/1) has two WTA Tour wins this season, as does Dayana Yastremska (5/1 -field).

Coco Gauff (15 years old), Caty McNally (17), Whitney Osuigwe (17), Hailey Baptiste (17), Iga Swiatek (18) and Anastasia Potapova (18) figure to be dangerous opponents in the early rounds. The WTA has been wildly unpredictable all year and the next two weeks promise to be full of upsets.

Women to watch

Bianca Andreescu (15/1): The Canadian could be a future No. 1 player and is a superstar waiting to explode on the world scene. Andreescu has not had any Grand Slam success, but she has already won two Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and her hometown of Toronto this season. She has dealt with some injury issues yet has defeated all of the top players this season and is ready to win a major.

Sofia Kenin (5/1-field): Kenin is as tough as they come in the WTA. She stalks around the court with intense focus and has the killer instinct that great players possess. What she lacks in physical talent, she makes up for with mental toughness and tenacity. She relishes opportunities to play the top players and expects to win when she steps on the court.