The US Open is just around the corner, and the tennis world is abuzz with excitement. As the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open is always a highly anticipated event, but this year’s tournament promises to be particularly thrilling. With the Olympics taking place just three weeks ago, players are arriving in New York with fewer minutes on a hard court than before, and with more miles in their legs. This could lead to some surprise winners, as players who are not typically considered top contenders may find themselves with an opportunity to shine.
According to Christopher Clarey, former New York Times tennis writer, “I don’t think anyone is coming [to the US Open] in top gear.” This could be good news for players who are not typically considered favorites to win. As Clarey notes, “For somebody who is maybe more of a second-tier favourite, this is their year and their opportunity.”
The Men’s Draw: A Wide-Open Field
The men’s draw at the US Open is looking particularly wide open this year. As British player Naomi Broady noted on BBC 5 Live, “The men’s draw is as wide open as it has been for as long as any of us can remember.” This is due in part to the fact that many of the top players have been competing in the Olympics, and may be feeling a bit fatigued. Additionally, the switch from grass to clay to hard courts can be challenging for players, and may affect their performance.
Despite these challenges, there are still several top players who are expected to contend for the title. Novak Djokovic is the defending champion, and is always a strong contender. However, he made the Olympics his priority this year, and it remains to be seen how the emotional impact of winning a long-awaited Olympic gold on the Paris clay will affect his chances. A win in New York would secure his 25th major, the most of any singles player, male or female, and make Djokovic the oldest man in the Open era to win a Slam.
Other top contenders include Jannik Sinner, who beat Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals in January, and Carlos Alcaraz, who won the French Open and Wimbledon. Sinner is the form player, having won the Cincinatti Open in the build-up to New York. Alcaraz also beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, but Djokovic got his revenge with a stunning win in the gold-medal match in Paris.
Outside of the top three, last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev will be eyeing an elusive second Slam, while French Open finalist Alexander Zverev is also a contender.
Players to Watch
There are several players who could potentially cause an upset in the men’s draw. One player to watch is Jack Draper, who will be the 25th seed. Draper has a big serving and aggressive hitting style that should suit the Flushing Meadows courts, which tend to play quickly.
Another player to watch is Katie Boulter, who has a similarly aggressive style. Boulter is the 31st seed, and has yet to reach the second week of a major. However, she has been tipped by Broady as “one to watch for the tournament”.
Players Who Will Be Missing
Unfortunately, there are several top players who will be missing from the men’s draw. Andy Murray, the 2012 champion in New York, has retired from the sport. Rafael Nadal, who withdrew earlier in August, is widely expected to retire at the end of the season, having struggled with injury over the past few years. Cameron Norrie, British number two, is missing with a forearm injury.
The Women’s Draw: A State of Flux
The women’s draw at the US Open is also looking wide open this year. As former world number one and ESPN analyst Chris Evert noted, “On the women’s side, it is very open.” This is due in part to the fact that many of the top players have been struggling with injuries and illness.
Coco Gauff memorably won the title at Flushing Meadows last year, but has struggled recently, losing in the second and third rounds of the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open respectively. She has also been replaced as the second seed by Aryna Sabalenka, who triumphed in Cincinnati last week and looks a strong contender to better her runner-up showing from last year.
Jessica Pegula, born in Buffalo, New York, is also a favourite – although she will have to break her quarter-final jinx, having not progressed beyond the last eight at a major in six attempts. Iga Swiatek, world number one, is always a threat, while Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova will be in the mix.
Players Who Could Cause an Upset
There are several players who could potentially cause an upset in the women’s draw. One player to watch is Emma Raducanu, who will be returning to the venue of her astonishing 2021 triumph, where she became the first player to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier. Raducanu skipped the Olympics to avoid the quick switch from clay to hard courts, reaching the quarter-finals of the Washington Open earlier in August, but has not played since.
According to Broady, “With Emma this year, it’s been especially delicate for her to get her schedule right after those surgeries.” However, Broady also notes that “The wins she has had in the weeks she’s played, she has shown she’s competitive. I think the muscle memory of her win there will kick in.”
Players Who Will Be Missing
Unfortunately, there are several top players who will be missing from the women’s draw. Naomi Osaka, the 2020 champion, is returning to New York for the first time since 2022, but has been dealing with injury and illness. Marketa Vondrousova, last year’s Wimbledon winner, is also absent.
The US Open promises to be an exciting tournament, with a wide-open field and several players who could potentially cause an upset. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.