The US Open draw has set the stage for a potential rematch of the year’s most captivating tennis rivalry. Defending champion Novak Djokovic and rising star Carlos Alcaraz find themselves on opposite sides of the bracket, meaning a thrilling final showdown could be in the cards. This would mark their third major final of the year after their epic encounters at Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics.
However, Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, might need to overcome a formidable hurdle in the semifinals – No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Sinner, who recently tested positive for an anabolic steroid, was cleared after it was determined the substance entered his system unintentionally through a massage. Despite the controversy, Sinner remains a formidable opponent, having won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff, who claimed her first Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, is seeded No. 3 and will be looking to make a strong run. A potential semifinal clash against No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka could set the stage for a rematch of the 2023 final.
The tournament promises a return of former champions, with Naomi Osaka, the winner of two US Open titles, facing a tough first-round matchup against No. 10 seed Jelena Ostapenko. Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 champion, will face No. 5 seed Jasmine Paolini, who reached the finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, will open against 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin.
Other notable first-round matchups include No. 13 seed Ben Shelton against 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem, and No. 18 seed Lorenzo Musetti against American Reilly Opelka.
The US Open begins on Monday, September 4th, and concludes on September 8th. With a star-studded field and a thrilling draw, the tournament is set to be a captivating spectacle for tennis fans worldwide.
