The draw for both the men’s singles at the US Open has now been completed. It has led to many interesting initial and potential matchups, creating even more anticipation around the final Grand Slam of the year. It was already known that Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djoovic would be on opposite sides of the draw. But the rest of the draw remained a mystery. Now, however, the first-round matches have been revealed and speculation about paths through the draw can begin in earnest…
The Five Highlights From the US Open Men’s Draw
1. A potential Alcaraz vs Sinner rematch
Alcaraz and Jannik sinner played one of the greatest US Open matches of all time in last year’s quarterfinal. Eventually Alcaraz prevailed at 2:50am, before going on to win his first Grand Slam title. If both men navigate themselves through their opening four rounds, we will witness the two young stars clashing once more in the quarterfinals.
That is not a guarantee though. Sinner may have a very difficult fourth-round match against a recently much improved Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz on the other hand could face Cameron Norrie, a man who has beaten the Spaniard on two occasions.
The last man standing from that quarter could play 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal.
2. Another possible quarterfinal between Casper Ruud and Holger Rune
The two top Scandinavians have some history. They met at the 2022 French Open quarterfinal. It was a somewhat bad-tempered affair that Ruud won in four sets. Both players met again at the same stage at Roland-Garros this year, with Ruud once more getting the better of Rune in four sets.
Those clashes have hinted at the start of an entertaining rivalry beginning, and we could see it in action once more. However, Ruud could have to beat home favourite and last year’s semifinalist Francis Tiafoe in the fourth round if he is to achieve this. Tommy Paul is the highest ranked player Rune can play on paper before the quarterfinal. That will not be easy as the American has played good tennis recently.
3. John Isner’s
38-year-old stalwart of American tennis John Isner announced that the US Open will be his final professional tournament. The good news is that his first round on paper is certainly winnable. Facundo Diaz Acosta is the challenge that awaits Isner. Diaz Acosta is a very good player, like all those in the draw. But he has yet to win a match at Grand Slam level, and is also a clay-court specialist. In truth, the man with the record for most aces in ATP history could not have asked for a better first round draw.
If Isner prevails, 11th seed Karen Khachanov may await in the second round. Although a difficult prospect, last year’s semifinalist has not competed since the French Open due to injury. An upset would not be out of the question.
4. A potentially fun second round between Andrey Rublev and Gael Monfils
The veteran Monfils created headlines at the Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati. Having previously spoken about retirement, the always entertaining Frenchman produced some of his best tennis in years to reach the quarterfinal in Toronto, and third round in Cincinncati. Monfils defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas, Cameron Norrie and Alex De Minaur during those runs, and almost did the same to eventual Toronto champion Jannik Sinner.
Rublev’s hard-hitting tennis is also consistently great viewing. The eight time Grand Slam quarterfinalist does have a tough opener against Emil Ruusuvuori, while Monfils plays a qualifier. The power of Rublev against the athleticism and showmanship of Monfils has the makings of a memorable encounter if it happens.
5. Dominic Thiem vs Alexander Bublik in the first round
This encounter has the perfect blend of style and unpredictability. Thiem’s level has fluctuated a lot since his comeback from injury, although the last tournament he played in his home tournament in Kitzbuhel led to him reaching the final. The 2020 US Open champion is lacking any hard court match practice since then, but regardless he still has one of the most watchable styles in the men’s game.
Bublik is as mercurial as tennis players come. It is impossible to predict how he will play, or what outrageous shot selection is coming next. There is always entertainment when he plays. These two together should provide some of the best viewing in the opening matches at the US Open.
Main photo credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
