2012 U.S. Open Tennis: How Far Can Tampa Locals John Isner, Mardy Fish And Robby Ginepri Go?

With Rafael Nadal set to miss this year's US Open, there's an opening for an American man to make a nice run. Question is: can John Isner, who calls the Tampa area home, or fellow locals Mardy Fish, Robby Ginepri or James Blake play well enough to reach even a quarterfinal?

The trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have won 29 of the past 30 major titles dating back to 2005, but Nadal will miss this year's US Open with continued knee troubles.

Federer dismantled Andy Murray to take this year's Wimbledon title, but Murray earned Olympic gold in London with a straight-sets win over Federer. Djokovic is the defending US Open Champion and will be looking for a fifth major title in the past two years.

On the women's side, Tampa resident Serena Williams looked resurgent in winning singles gold and combining with her sister, Venus, to win the women's doubles gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Serena will be looking for her 15th major title, while Venus will return to Queens after missing the 2011 Open.

For more US Open coverage, stick with SBNation Tampa Bay, or head over to SBNation's dedicated tennis hub.