Live Analysis: U.S. Open Men's Final When Andy Murray faces the defending champion Novak Djokovic on Monday afternoon for the United States Open title, it will be the first time since 2003 that neither finalist was named Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. The last time that happened, a lanky, fresh-faced American stood atop the tennis world wearing a baseball cap and a wry grin. Andy Roddick was on his way to winning the Open and becoming the No. 1 player in the world. A few months later, he surrendered the top spot to Federer, who went on to reinvent men's tennis. Over time, the second position went to Nadal, the third to Djokovic and the fourth to Murray. How have Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray so thoroughly dominated the tour? There are bigger hitters and servers, and everyone has access to the same strings. The gap lies in their preternatural touch and speed. Having exceptional touch extends beyond drop shots and volleys; it allows for better control of power, both on the giving and receiving end. Quickness and agility can alter players' perceptions of geometry: these four make their side of the court seem like a ping-pong table, while the other side stays 27 feet wide. What would be outright winners against the best players of any previous generation, these four retrieve and return with interest. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have taken turns at No. 1, and have won a combined 33 Grand Slam singles titles (17, 11 and 5, respectively). Of the so-called "Big Four," Murray might be considered a junior partner. He has most consistently been fourth and has yet to win a Grand Slam tournament. He has the skills, but not the hardware. Coming off his Olympic triumph, will this be the start of a breakout run for Murray the way Djokovic last year conquered three majors and wrested the No. 1 ranking from Nadal? So far, 2012 has been more democratic: Djokovic won in Melbourne, Nadal at Roland Garros and Federer at Wimbledon. For a true four-way rivalry to exist, Murray has to win in New York. Check back here for updates on the match. Auto-refresh is: ONTurn ONTurn OFFRefresh nowUpdating...FeedTwitter