A tennis legend is set for her final curtain call, as we unpack the main conversation-starters for the US Open.
Another US Open is right here, as the typical fanfare is being mixed in with the farewell of a legend of the game.
Earlier this month, Serena Williams announced she’d be stepping away, capping off one of the all-time careers. The 40-year-old has six titles at Flushing Meadows, most likely finishing up just one Grand Slam win behind Margaret Court’s record of 24.
After news of Serena’s retirement, a heart-warming development was that sister Venus would enter the event as a wildcard.
But Serena’s swan song is far from the only point of interest at 2022’s final tennis Grand Slam. Here’s what else to be familiarised with ahead of Monday’s tournament commencement.
Reigning champions in doubt?
Last year, it was Emma Raducanu who became the first British woman to win at the US Open after defeating Leylah Fernandez. At the time, the 150th ranked Raducanu became the youngest major winner since 2004. She’ll garner far more attention this time around of course. Despite form and injury problems this year, having not progressed past the second round of a major, the 19-year-old enters as the world number 11.
For the men’s, Danill Medvedev took out the title against Novak Djokovic last year. But questions remain whether the 26-year-old will be able to defend his title after his inconsistent year during the ATP Tour. The Russian world number one was sidelined for Wimbledon, after falling short at both Paris and Melbourne earlier this season.
The big absences
Novak Djokovic won’t be in attendance due to the US’ continued vaccination guidelines. The former world number one is yet to be seen since he last played at Wimbledon this year.
Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. ???????? See you soon tennis world! ????????
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022
Another absentee is America’s highest ranked player Reilly Opelka, in what’s believed to be a fitness-based withdrawal for the 28th ranked player.
Gael Monfils and Alex Zverev have also pulled out from the men’s draw due to foot and ankle injuries respectively.
Injuries have also forced Sania Mirza, Marketa Vondrousov and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to pull out.
While tennis fans won’t be seeing Angelique Kerber on the court. A former number one, Kerber will miss the US Open after announcing her pregnancy recently. Elina Svitolina is also pregnant and won’t appear at the event.
I really wanted to play the @usopen but eventually I decided that two against one just isn‘t a fair competition ????????????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y6rRYOIUDR
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) August 24, 2022
Australian chances and a must-see first-round affair
The US Open will see a number of players fly the flag for Australia next week. In the men’s single draw, Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios lead the charge. Currently ranked at 20 and 26 respectively, both de Minaur and Kyrgios are predicted to compete well.
Kyrgios, the Wimbledon finalist, has drawn good mate and major-winning doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinankis in the opening round.
The other Aussies in action are Alexei Popyrin, James Duckworth, John Millman, Jordan Thompson, Jason Kubler, Chris O’Connell and wildcard Rinky Hijikata.
???? They've never played against each on the main tour … ????
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) August 25, 2022
???????? Aussie tennis pair @NickKyrgios and @TKokkinakis have been drawn together in a bittersweet first-round encounter at the @usopen for the friends and double partners.
Red more: ???? https://t.co/hYlNntWhVs #USOpen pic.twitter.com/zBsFx4Adxl
Meanwhile, the women’s draw also sees a strong Australian presence; Ajla Tomljanovic (48th on the WTA), Daria Saville and wildcard Jaimee Fourlis.
Key contenders
The race for the US Open title is wide open, with Rafael Nadal entering as the favourite alongside reigning champion Danill Medvedev. A Nadal victory would be wildly amusing given it would technically be the first undefeated Grand Slam season since Rod Laver in 1969… his only blemish was an injury-forced withdrawal before his Wimbledon semi-final date with Kyrgios.
Plenty of in-form top seeds are in with a chance, including Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Rudd, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev.
It will be just as competitive for the women with a number of big names predicted to do well. Iga Swiatek is a strong favourite, but several contenders are a chance of dethroning the Polish powerhouse. Paula Badosa, Ons Jabeur, Simona Halep and Anett Kontaveit will be ones to watch.