The final Grand Slam of the season is set to begin. With Serena Williams calling time on her career, the US Open is certain to be a must-watch event this year. Here are some things to look out for on the opening day!
Four Things To Watch Out For On Day 1
Kyle Edmund’s Slam Return
Back from a slew of injuries, Kyle Edmund returns to the biggest stage in tennis for the first time in two years. The former No. 14 is 5-4 on the season since returning at the Winnipeg Challenger at the end of July. Despite the winning record, the Brit has failed to score an impressive win but will certainly get the chance to on Monday. Edmund will face the fifth seed Casper Ruud second on Court 12. The 27-year-old is unlikely to come out as the winner but it will certainly be interesting to see him back.
Maria vs Sakkari III
Tatjana Maria and Maria Sakkari are set to face off in their third slam meeting of the season, an incredibly improbable occurrence as all of their meetings will have been in the first three rounds. The German came out on top last time, dispatching Sakkari en route to her career-best semifinal run, but lost when the two faced off at the Australian Open. Maria has a unique style that is rarely seen on tour nowadays and with the Greek struggling coming into the US Open, watch out for a potential upset. The two kick off the action on Grandstand at 11am local time.
Exciting Slam Debuts
Some very exciting players will be making their Slam debuts around the grounds on Monday. After an incredible 33-4 season, including four Challenger titles, Yibing Wu is set to play his first slam main draw match after successfully qualifying past the likes of Ricardas Berankis and Corentin Moutet. The 22-year-old will take on Nikoloz Basilashvili out on Court 13.
16-year-old Sara Bejlek is also making her debut after an impressive qualifying campaign with tough three-set wins over the experienced Kristina Mladenovic and Heather Watson. The young Czech will take on the in-form Liudmila Samsonova, who comes in on a 10-match win streak, closing out the action on Court 7. The name on many people’s lips is Ben Shelton, though. The former Florida Gator has impressed on the Challenger Tour recently, reaching two finals and two semifinals since June. The 19-year-old really came into the public conscience at Cincinnati, where he took out Lorenzo Sonego and World No. 7 Casper Ruud. Shelton will take on qualifier Nuno Borges on Court 10.
Serena’s Last Dance
And finally, the main event! Serena Williams will step onto the court, possibly for the last time in her singles career. However, despite the 40-year-old struggling in preparation, she enters the match a favorite against Danka Kovinic. The Montenegrin will almost certainly bring her best to this massive occasion but is winless in her last five matches. Whether we will witness Serena’s final match, final victory, or the beginning of one final incredible run, it will be appointment viewing. The 23-time Grand Slam champion will kick off the first night session of the tournament on Arthur Ashe Stadium at 7pm local time.
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