US Open Set for Surprises as Olympics Take Their Toll

US Open promises to be unpredictable this year, with the recent Olympics adding extra challenges for players. Many arrive in New York with fewer hard-court minutes and more fatigue, setting the stage for potential surprises. Defending champion Novak Djokovic faces uncertainty following his emotionally charged Olympic gold medal victory.  Although he prioritized the Olympics, Djokovic aims to extend his record of winning at least one Grand Slam each year for the past seven years.

A victory in New York would secure his 25th major title and make him the oldest man in the Open era to achieve this. However, he faces tough competition from world number one Jannik Sinner, who defeated him in the Australian Open semi-finals and French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz. On the women’s side, the draw remains wide open.

Defending champion Coco Gauff has struggled recently while Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off her Cincinnati Open win, looks ready to improve on last year’s runner-up finish. Jessica Pegula born in Buffalo, New York also stands as a contender, although she has yet to progress beyond the quarter-finals in a major. World number one Iga Swiatek, Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova also join the mix.

British fans will focus on Jack Draper, Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu. Draper, the 25th seeD reached the fourth round in New York last year. Boulter, the 31st seed aims to advance past the early rounds. Raducanu returns to Flushing Meadows where she won her first Grand Slam in 2021, hoping to regain that form after a challenging year. Notable absences include Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and British number two Cameron Norrie.

Naomi Osaka and Dominic Thiem will return with Thiem receiving a wildcard for his final major.