Two-time former champion Rafael Nadal says it would be arrogant of him to suggest that he has a good chance of glory at the US Open.

The Spaniard was crowned champion at Flushing Meadows in both 2010 and 2013, while he also lost in the final in 2011 – with all three of those finals seeing Nadal take on Novak Djokovic.

However, he has struggled for form for much of 2015 following a number of injuries and while he believes he is getting his game and confidence back on track, Nadal does not believe he should be viewed as one of the favourites for the final Grand Slam of the year.

He told reporters after being announced as the eighth seed for Flushing Meadows: “I will be arrogant if I say I feel ready for the title now after not having a great season.

“I don’t want to say that. I say I am working hard every day. I know I am playing better and I am feeling better mentally than a few months ago.

“I feel closer than ever during the season to be where I want to be.”

Nadal can be backed at 17.00 to win the US Open champion for a third time, with defending champion Marin Cilic 34.00.

Meanwhile, five-time US Open champion Roger Federer accepts he will have to improve on recent showings if he is to challenge for an 18th Grand Slam title, having not reached the US final since 2009 when he was beaten by Juan Martin del Potro.

Federer said: “I haven’t been in a final since 2009, so I have got my work cut out.”