Most tennis aficionados and pundits can’t see past these two for the title at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic, hailing from Serbia, is on the cusp of his 24th major, while Alcaraz, Spain's young maestro, is defending the crown he clinched last year.
Not to be outdone, Poland's numero uno, Iga Swiatek, remains the favourite in the women’s game, seeking to replicate her initial victory on these hard courts. Chasing her shadow are formidable contenders: Australian Open victor Aryna Sabalenka (Wilson Blade 98), former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina (Yonex Vcore 100) as well as US sensations Coco Gauff (Head Boom Pro) and Jessica Pegula (Yonex Ezone 98). Slam runner up queen Ons Jabeur (Wilson Pro Staff 97) and Wimbledon Champion Marketa Vondrousova (Yonex Ezone 100) will also be on court.
While tennis enthusiasts in Britain eagerly anticipate Andy Murray’s performance, they'll sorely miss Emma Raducanu, who's recovering from injuries.
Alcaraz vs Djokovic: An Inevitable Showdown?
From their unforgettable showdown at the Cincinnati final to their three electrifying matchups in as many months, Alcaraz and Djokovic have set the tennis world ablaze. Their brilliance over the past year has firmly set them apart in the ATP rankings.
Djokovic (Head Speed Pro) is making his comeback at the US Open after his absence last year, due to vaccine concerns. After beating Alexandre Müller in straight sets in his first round match, the Serb has now snatched the top ranking from Alcaraz (Babolat Pure Aero). Meanwhile, Alcaraz clinched his first major title at Flushing Meadows last year, with a follow-up at Wimbledon, serving Djokovic a heart-wrenching loss in the process.
Their rivalry, which was simmering earlier this year, has now caught fire, following their mesmerising bouts in the French Open, Wimbledon, and Cincinnati. However the seemingly unstoppable Alcaraz did get beaten by none other than Tommy Paul in Canada recently.
Casper Ruud (Yonex Ezone 100) is always worth a mention. The 24 year old Norwegian is a consistent fighter, he’s made 3 Grand Slam finals in the last 2 years. French Open 2022, US Open 2022, and French Open 2023, so he’s got some previous here in the US can he finally take that one extra step further. Casper lines up with an unusual hybrid string setup using Yonex’s super hard pentagonal Polytour Spin mains with Polytour Pro, their softer more responsive string, as the crosses. Check out the Casper Ruud collection.
Our outsider picks lie with Frances Tiafoe (Yonex Percept 97) and Hubert Hukarcz (Yonex Percept 97). Tiafoe lit up the tournament last year with a dazzling run to the semi final and will be hopeful of turning that out again.
Hukarcz is notable as the man who got closest to beating Alcaraz and Djokovic, recently taking sets off both.
America’s Hope
USA would love a homegrown winner; here are some of the players who hold the best chances in the men’s competition …
Frances Tiafoe's (Yonex Percept 97) relentless athleticism, explosive groundstrokes, and improved mental resilience position him as a potential dark horse for the US Open title. He went on a fantastic, exciting run last year and the crowd love him in New York.
Tommy Paul's (Yonex Vcore 98) dynamic playstyle, consistent baseline rallies, and tenacity on court make him a credible contender for the US Open championship. He beat Alcaraz recently in Canada.
Ben Shelton's (Yonex Ezone 98) burgeoning talent, unwavering dedication, and recent improvements on the court could see him emerging as a surprise contender for the US Open, he went on that spinning run in the Australian Open last year so he’s definitely got it in him.
Taylor Fritz's (Head Radical) formidable serve, aggressive baseline game, and growing experience on the big stage position him as a genuine contender for the US Open title.
Women's Singles: Is This Gauff's Moment?
The buzz surrounding Coco Gauff (Head Boom) has only intensified since she first burst onto the scene in 2019. The talented American, now 19, has shown considerable growth, ascending into the top 10 over the past year. With recent titles in Washington and Cincinnati under her belt, she's a favourite for the US Open, but will the pressure get to her?
However, Gauff isn't the only American in the spotlight. Jessica Pegula (Yonex Ezone 98), another US hopeful, clinched the Canadian Open in Montreal and has consistently shown form that could translate into a Grand Slam win.
The pressure is on for Swiatek, despite her impressive track record this year. With losses to both Gauff and Pegula in Cincinnati and Montreal, her grip on the top rank is threatened by the tenacious Sabalenka and it’s not impossible for Rybakina to steal the top rank if all goes to plan.
Rybakina looked unstoppable during Wimbledon until her match against Ons Jabeur and has been playing really well in Montreal. She’s struggling with an injury, but we’ve seen her soldier through that before. Rybakina uses the Yonex Vcore 100, Polytour Fire String, the 92329 Pro Bag ans the Power Cushion Eclipsion 4 White/Aloe shoes. Check out what clothing she’ll wear at the US Open, available in around 2 weeks time on Central Sports.
Tunisia's Ons Jabeur (Wilson Pro Staff 97), beaten by the Czech in the All England Club final and runner-up at Flushing Meadows last year, hopes to finally land a major title.
Marketa Vondrousova plays in her first major since becoming Wimbledon champion and will look to grow on her recent results.
British Prospects: Murray Leads the Charge
For the British contingent, Andy Murray (Head Radical), a three-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one, remains the beacon of hope. Despite a few health hiccups in the lead-up, he's been gearing up for the tournament. He's joined by fellow Britons Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, Katie Boulter, Jodie Burrage, and Jack Draper.
However, the British camp will certainly feel the absence of Emma Raducanu, the surprise victor in 2021. After surgeries on her wrist and ankle, the young starlet plans a return later this season.
As we gear up for this tennis spectacle, make sure to keep your rackets and passion ready. The US Open promises to be an event to remember, filled with thrill, spills, and moments that will go down in tennis history.
