By Trisha Ghosal
The blue courts of Flushing Meadows are ready once again. The US Open, tennis’ noisiest and most unpredictable Grand Slam, begins tonight, and as always, it brings with it storylines bursting with intrigue. From dominant champions to hopeful challengers, the fortnight ahead promises its share of brilliance, nerves and, inevitably, surprises.
Sinner vs Alcaraz: Rivalry at Full Tilt
On the men’s side, the conversation begins with Jannik Sinner. Over the past year, the Italian has carved out a near-perfect record, losing only a handful of matches and looking untouchable against almost everyone not named Carlos Alcaraz. At his best, Sinner’s game feels effortless, his groundstrokes fizz off the racquet and his movement allows him to turn defence into attack in an instant. The one lingering concern is fitness; illness forced him to retire during the Cincinnati final, and how his body holds up in New York could decide the story of this Slam.
Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, has built an aura of inevitability. The 22-year-old Spaniard comes into the Open having strung together seven finals in a row and winning all but two of his last 41 matches. His draw isn’t the kindest, Reilly Opelka’s power first up, with possible clashes against Daniil Medvedev and Ben Shelton later but Alcaraz has already shown he can navigate tough roads. Together, he and Sinner have pulled clear of the men’s field, their rivalry now defining the sport.
Swiatek Restored, Sabalenka Tested
The women’s draw is just as enticing. Iga Swiatek has reminded everyone why she has spent so long at No. 1. A summer surge, capped by a Wimbledon crown, has restored her confidence, and she arrives in New York having dropped just three sets across her past 15 matches. With her heavy topspin and unrelenting consistency, she looks primed for another deep run.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka won’t make it easy, though. The Belarusian has reached the business end of virtually every Slam for the past two years, but her section of the draw is stacked with dangerous names – from Leylah Fernandez to Elena Rybakina. A repeat title will demand her absolute best.
Home Hopes Rest on Gauff
Then there’s Coco Gauff, the home favourite. Her season has swung between highs and frustrations, but the French Open trophy proved she can deliver on the biggest stages. If she steadies her serve, few can match her athleticism and firepower under New York’s lights.
The stage is set. Whether it’s another chapter in the Sinner-Alcaraz saga, a Swiatek-Sabalenka showdown, or a shock run from an outsider, expect the US Open to provide the theatre only it can.
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