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Rafael Nadal has set himself the target of ending the year as world number one but admits he needs to win the US Open to achieve his dream.
The Spaniard is2.75to win the last major of the year having been in excellent form on the North American hard courts since his return from a lengthy injury lay-off.
The 27-year-old has competed in three Masters events on hard courts since his comeback from a knee injury in February and has won all of them, most recently claiming the title in Cincinnati.
Nadal's run of success in the States comes after a shocking performance at Wimbledon when he lost in the first round to Steve Darcis, prompting speculation he had suffered a recurrence of his knee injury.
However, the 12-time Grand Slam champion took time off after his early exit from SW19 and has looked in rude health since returning to action earlier this month.
Having performed so well in the pre-US Open events Nadal believes he can end the year as world number one, especially as he has no ranking points to defend at Flushing Meadows having had to miss the major last year.
With 2,000 points on offer for the winner in New York, the world number two is feeling confident he can overhaul current rankings leader Novak Djokovic before the end of the year.
"If I am number one, it will be an amazing, amazing season for me. If I am not number one, it still will be an amazing season for me," said Nadal.
"This tournament is going to make a big difference. After here I will say not everything will be decided, but things can be more clear or completely less clear."
The 2010 US Open champion starts his campaign against American Ryan Harrison on Monday and is1.015to make it through, with his opponent19.00to cause a major upset.
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