Tennis: 2024 US Open preview
The US Open, known for its unpredictability, could deliver another surprise champion this year. With the Olympic Games held just three weeks ago, players arrive in New York with less preparation time on hard courts and potentially more fatigue from the season’s demands.
Novak Djokovic, the defending champion, is chasing his 25th Grand Slam title, which would set a new record for most singles titles by any player. However, the emotional toll of his recent Olympic gold medal win on Paris clay could impact his performance. Despite his dominance, Djokovic faces strong competition from current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who has been in excellent form, winning the Cincinnati Open in the lead-up to the US Open. Sinner, who recently overcame a doping controversy, will be a significant threat, as will French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
The men’s draw is particularly open this year, with fatigue from the Olympic and Grand Slam schedules potentially playing a role. British player Naomi Broady remarked on BBC 5 Live, “This year, especially with the addition of the Olympics and the players being that bit more fatigued, it is going to be incredibly interesting.”
In addition to Djokovic, Sinner, and Alcaraz, other contenders include last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev and French Open finalist Alexander Zverev.
The women’s competition is equally unpredictable. Last year’s champion, Coco Gauff, has faced recent struggles, exiting early in both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open. Aryna Sabalenka, who recently claimed the Cincinnati title, has moved up to the second seed and looks poised to improve on her runner-up finish from last year.
Jessica Pegula, a native of Buffalo, New York, is another strong contender but has yet to advance beyond the quarter-finals in a major. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen, and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova remain serious threats.
As former world No. 1 Chris Evert noted, the women’s draw is wide open, with many players showing signs of fatigue after a long and demanding season. “I do think that everyone’s getting a little tired, and it’s been a long year,” Evert said. “I can’t say who’s going to win with any kind of conviction right now.”
With both the men’s and women’s fields filled with uncertainty, this year’s US Open promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable Grand Slam finales in recent memory.
