No Clear Favourite? Sinner Out, Alcaraz Back as US Open Opens Up
The US Open begins with an unusual sense of uncertainty this year, with injuries, inconsistent form and a changing pecking order making the final Grand Slam of the season difficult to predict.
Last year, the men's tournament appeared to revolve around Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who had already met in the French Open and Wimbledon finals. Their third straight Grand Slam final meeting in New York seemed almost inevitable, and it duly happened.
The landscape is different this time. World No. 1 Sinner is sidelined after failing to fully recover from the knee injury that has kept him out since his Wimbledon triumph. Alcaraz, meanwhile, returns after a four-month absence caused by a right wrist injury and will attempt to defend his US Open title.
The uncertainty has created opportunities for the chasing pack. Alexander Zverev is the top seed after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open and reaching the Wimbledon final. Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, believes several players will view Sinner's absence and Alcaraz's lack of recent competition as a major opening.
Novak Djokovic remains a formidable contender, but the 39-year-old's early Cincinnati exit has raised questions. The 24-time Grand Slam champion also mentioned an unspecified health problem that bothers him in the heat, potentially complicating his bid for another long run in New York.
American players are hoping to capitalise on the uncertainty. Ben Shelton's Montreal title and Frances Tiafoe's Cincinnati final appearance have boosted home hopes. The United States is still waiting for its next men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open.
On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka's difficult summer has made the draw equally unpredictable. Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina are among those challenging for the No. 1 ranking.
With the tournament beginning Sunday, the US Open promises opportunity, uncertainty and potentially new champions.