Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will make her long-awaited return to the US Open this year, marking her first appearance at Flushing Meadows since becoming a mother. The Japanese star, who triumphed at the US Open in 2018 and 2020, will face a formidable challenge in her opening match against No. 10 seed Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian is a former Roland Garros champion and has been in impressive form this season.
Meanwhile, defending champion Coco Gauff could set up a mouthwatering rematch against Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. Gauff, who stunned the tennis world with her run to the final last year, will be eager to defend her title. However, she will face a tough test in the form of Sabalenka, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world and has been in scintillating form this year.
Other notable matchups in the women’s draw include a potential quarterfinal clash between No. 3 seed Maria Sakkari and No. 6 seed Simona Halep. Sakkari has been in excellent form this season, reaching the semifinals of the French Open and Wimbledon. Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion, will be looking to make a deep run in New York after a disappointing Wimbledon campaign.
In the men’s draw, defending champion Daniil Medvedev will be aiming to retain his title. The Russian is currently ranked No. 1 in the world and will be the top seed at Flushing Meadows. However, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is always a threat at the US Open. The Spaniard has won the tournament four times, including in 2019. Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, is also a former US Open winner. The Serbian will be looking to add to his tally after missing the Australian Open earlier this year due to his vaccination status.
Alcaraz, the rising star of men’s tennis, has been in sensational form this season. The Spaniard has won five titles, including the Madrid Open and Barcelona Open. He will be aiming to make a deep run at the US Open and challenge the established order.
The US Open is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with a host of top players vying for the prestigious title. The tournament will begin on August 29th and conclude on September 11th.
