World No. 1 Jannik Sinner faces a daunting path to the 2024 US Open title, with potential clashes against former champion Daniil Medvedev and four-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz looming large.
Sinner’s quarterfinal showdown with Medvedev could be their fourth meeting in 2024 and third in a major. Sinner holds a 2-1 edge in their head-to-head record, including a thrilling five-set victory in the Australian Open final. However, Medvedev avenged that loss in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Should Sinner overcome Medvedev, he could face Alcaraz in the semifinals. The duo’s 2022 US Open quarterfinal clash was one of the most memorable matches in recent history, lasting over five hours and ending with Alcaraz’s victory. Alcaraz currently leads their head-to-head record 5-4, including wins in both their semifinal meetings this year.
Sinner’s tournament opener will be against American Mackenzie McDonald, with a potential second-round clash against 9-year-old Alex Michelsen and a third-round encounter with Stan Wawrinka. Medvedev, meanwhile, will face Dusan Lajovic in his first match.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has never advanced beyond the third round in New York, will face a tough test against Thanasi Kokkinakis in the top quarter. American Tommy Paul, seeded 14th, is also in this section.
Third seed Alcaraz, who suffered a surprise loss to Gael Monfils in Cincinnati, will open against a qualifier. His quarter includes Hubert Hurkacz, who reached the quarterfinals in both Cincinnati and Montreal, and Alex de Minaur, who is returning from a hip injury.
Former finalists Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud could meet in the quarterfinals. Zverev will face Emil Ruusuvuori in his opener, while Ruud will play a qualifier before potentially facing Monfils in the second round.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who recently won Olympic gold in Paris, has a tricky draw. He will start against a qualifier but could face Montreal Masters champion Alexei Popyrin in the third round and Ben Shelton or Frances Tiafoe in the fourth.
