The 2024 US Open will bring the curtain down to another breathtaking Grand Slam season. It’s been a record-setting year, from Jannik Sinner becoming the first Italian man to win the Australian Open, to Carlos Alcaraz becoming one of the quickest players to win four Grand Slams.
The new generation has shared the winner’s podium at three majors this year, so will it be more of the same at the end of the fortnight in New York? Let us delve into the top five men’s favorites to win the 2024 men’s tournament. We also have a separate article with the Top 5 Women’s Favorites.
Top 5 Favorites To Win 2024 US Open Men’s Tournament
#5. Jannik Sinner
He might be the second favorite with the oddsmakers to win the tournament outright, but the shocking revelation of two failed drug tests could be Jannik Sinner’s downfall at this year’s US Open. It’s an unfortunate predicament that the Italian finds himself in after it became public (only this week) that he tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid in March.
One thing we should get out of the way is that Sinner has been cleared of any wrongdoing, but murmurs from the media, in practice and match court, could psychologically overwhelm him. How does Sinner pick himself up so fast from this ordeal?
#4. Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev remains without a title this year, but he’s exceeded expectations at Grand Slams. He was a runner-up at the Australian Open and reached the semifinal at Wimbledon. Medvedev has savored his best tennis at the Big Apple, and if there is a place that could potentially unleash the dynamic Russian, it is New York.
He ended Novak Djokovic’s historic pursuit of a calendar-year Grand slam in 2021 by winning his only major title. Last year, he stunned Carlos Alcaraz in a late-night classic. Medvedev must also dispel the pre-tournament notion that he is declining based on his ranking. Making such pronouncements is premature because Medvedev will be a perennial threat to any of the top three seeds in his favorite tournament.
#3. Alexander Zverev
Is the time running out for Alexander Zverev to win his first Grand Slam? That’s the fundamental question weighing over the German as he arrives at this year’s US Open. Despite his considerable talent, Zverev has come up short in fulfilling that early career hype of becoming a multiple Grand Slam champion. He’s struggled in critical moments, and he was in a leading position in the two major finals he has lost, including this year’s French Open. Mental toughness is not his biggest strength, but maybe he will learn from his past travails.
#2. Carlos Alcaraz
Some players have previously been candid about losing tennis matches at the Olympics. It can throw you off for the rest of the season. The emotions of losing that Gold Medal match in Paris crushed Carlos Alcaraz, but not to the point of messing up his season.
He is the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion. On a bright note, Alcaraz did not leave the Olympics empty-handed. He clinched a Silver Medal on his debut appearance. If anything, that loss has only created a mentality monster.
#1. Novak Djokovic
The last time Novak Djokovic failed to win at least one Grand Slam in a season was in 2017. Djokovic’s year entered crisis mode when he was forced to withdraw from the 2024 French Open quarterfinal because of a torn meniscus on his right knee. However, after a rapid recovery routine that allowed him to compete at Wimbledon (he lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz), Djokovic is peaking at the most opportune moment.
He hasn’t played much tennis this year, and the injury might be a blessing in disguise, as he’s been able to save his body for the second half of the season. The Olympic Games demonstrated Djokovic’s ability to rise to the occasion when the pressure is at its highest. His maiden Gold Medal was a highly satisfying achievement, which will most likely free him up for the US Open. His quest for history (a record 25th Grand Slam) will be sufficient motivation.
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
