The US Open is just around the corner, which will see the top tennis players in the world descend on New York to play in one of the most prestigious contests on the tour. 

Missing from the line-up however will be two of the greats who have dominated the circuit for the past 15 years: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. 

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray took the remaining two spots in the "big four", with one of the quartet frquently taking the crown at the slams, leaving little room for newcomers.

Murray returned to the courts this year after a long period of injury, making it to the third round of Wimbledon and competing in his fourth Olympics.

It's all pretty impressive when you consider the huge hip surgery he underwent just a short time ago.

But will he contest the US Open which starts next week?

Here's everything you need to know...

Will Andy Murray play in this year's US Open?

Andy Murray is set to return to New York this year to play in the US Open. 

The courts certainly hold good memories for the ace, who won his first Grand Slam there back in 2012 in a long and exciting match against Novak Djokovic.

With play due to start on August 30, the 34-year-old has been encouraged by his recent performance at the Cincinnati Masters where he made the second round with improved movement from earlier in the season. 

However, former British number one Tim Henman, who's best performance at a Grand Slam was the semi finals, thinks five sets might be too far for Murray. 

Speaking on Murray's return to the court, Henman said: "Can he compete best-of-five-set matches in slams and come back with the recovery? I think that may be a step too far but certainly on the tour and in the ATP Masters I definitely think he can be competitive."

He did however acknowledge Murray's steep improvement curve in a matter of months: "If the Andy Murray of today played the Andy Murray of the first round of Queen’s I think he beats him very easily and so things seem to be moving in the right direction.

"The biggest challenge is whether he can stay injury-free, he’s been so stop-start for the last four years."

When does the US Open start? 

The US Open will start on Monday August 30 in New York. 

The UK is five hours ahead of New York, meaning there could be some late nights for British viewers if matches are drawn out.