The world's press descended on the grounds of the newly renovated USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Friday for the 2016 US Open's pre-tournament media day.
Here are a selection of quotes from the top players in the men's and women's draw.
Twelve-time Grand Slam men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic on his pursuit of history in chasing Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras (14) and Roger Federer (17):
Slams are valued the most in our sport as tournaments historically, so these are the tournaments where I want to do well and do my best. I obviously had a phenomenal Grand Slam career that I'm very proud of and very grateful for. I'm 29 at the moment and believe that I'm at a peak of my abilities as a tennis player. I'll try to keep that peak as consistent and enduring as much as possible.
Again, it's privilege to be mentioned alongside all the legends of the sport that have won 10-plus Grand Slams and made history books. I'm honored to actually play in the active tennis with two of them. For the last 10 years I've played with Roger and Rafa, who are still out there.
Serena Williams on resetting her frame of mind after losing in the Olympics and withdrawing from last week’s tournament in Cincinnati:
Yeah, it wasn't very easy I think physically. Just really trying so hard and trying everything to get better. But, yeah, just – at the end of the day I knew I gave the best effort I could, and it just wasn't enough. Olympics, I just practiced two days before playing my match. It's not ideal, but it was all I could do.
So, like I said, I'm starting to feel better now, and that's really positive.
Kei Nishikori on which players he thinks are the favorites to win the US Open:
For me, I think [Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray] are doing really well. I think Andy was playing a lot of tournaments from Rio and Cincy. I think he can be 100 percent. I think he has a lot of chance to beat Novak.
But I think, you know, a couple young guys, [Milos] Raonic, and [Marin] Cilic is back on track again. I think it's going to be a tough tournament.
Rafael Nadal on the ‘Big Four’:
You mean Federer, me, Novak, and Andy? The Big Four, as you say, are getting older. Is normal that there is new generation that tries to be in that positions, no?
But still Novak is No. 1, Andy No. 2, and he's in good position in the race. I get injured, is true. But before the injury I was the third in the race … and not very far from No. 2. Roger, is true, having is tough year in terms of injuries, too. Making two tournaments, Australia, Wimbledon. Let's see. It's obvious that we will not be here forever. It's true that Andy and Novak today are creating distance from the rest.
At the same time, it's true I have been injured and Roger, too, no? Let's see. I am excited about this part of the season.
Serena Williams on balancing getting reps on the practice court with resting her shoulder:
[The priority is] somehow managing to do both. Definitely am trying to practice more because I don't want to go into an event without having practiced. Just been doing that a lot. A lot of physical therapy.
Andy Murray on how becoming a father has changed him:
Well, I mean, tennis isn't the most important thing in my life anymore. Probably when I was younger and didn't have a family, then it was the most important thing. I think having that different perspective helps a lot. Maybe not putting so much pressure on myself and before a match I'm not stressing as much as I used to.
Angelique Kerber on not getting caught up in the pressure of potentially taking over as the world No. 1:
I will not put too much pressuring on this. If the day will come I will reach No. 1, would be amazing. I learned a lot of things the last year, especially with the Singapore thing, with my match there. I had to win one set and I was completely too much pressure on myself.
I learned from this and learned from a lot of losses, a lot of wins what I win and up and downs. That's why I will not thinking too much. I am here playing tennis, this. Is what I love to do. And, yeah, like I said, when the day will come, it's great, but I will try to enjoy every moment right now because it's one of the best season of my career so far.
Garbiñe Muguruza on inspiring and being a role model to young Hispanic women in the U.S.:
Well, I feel obviously great that people from Latin America, Spain and a little bit from everywhere they look at us, look at all the players like a reference and a way of achieving something, like something you want to become being successful.
So I feel very happy and honored to feel like that, if that's the case. And for sure I'm very happy that Latin America there is a lot of girls maybe want to start playing tennis, so they have maybe more for people to look at. That's great.
Rafael Nadal on the latest about his wrist injury:
Well, I am better. I am a little bit better. It's obvious that when you have been outside two months and a half you need a little bit of time.
I try to go quick, especially in the Olympics and then competing last week in Cincinnati, but the wrist still bothers me a little bit. It's true that the wrist bothers me a little bit less every day. I need to understand again to hit my normal forehand.
During the wrist injury always you try to find movements to avoid the pain. So I think today I can start the forehand, I think my normal forehand, but still needs time to feel that I am more confident on my wrist. But I am practicing well and I am competing well, I think.
Andy Murray on the new retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium:
I think it's great. I practiced under the roof the other day. It does look amazing on center court as well now. It's very quick too to open and close. Shouldn't be too many delays. ... For players it's a good thing, I think. For the TV, for the media, fans, obviously. You know, it works. It works well for everyone. I'll bet it doesn't rain this year. Everybody has been asking for one for the last few years, and then spend $500 million on a roof and there is no rain. We'll see what happens.
