Juan Martin Del Potro
Marin Cilic
Thank you indy.....Have a great week!
2016 U.S. Open men's seed report: Dark horses, matches to watch.....1-10
1. Novak Djokovic, Serbia
Inasmuch as a defending champ, World No.1 and 12-time major winner can have a crucial event, Djokovic kinda-sorta needs this to reassert himself. I wouldn’t—and don’t—bet against him, but two straight Slam defeats is something he hasn’t experienced since 2014. Interesting second rounder against Jiri Vesely, one of just five men to beat him in 2016.
2. Andy Murray, Great Britain
You could make a case that Murray is suddenly the player to beat. “Fresh” off a Wimbledon title and Olympic gold, he is coming off of a 21-match win streak—the longest of his career which ended in the Cincy final—and riding a wave of confidence. Starts against his friend Lukas Rosol.
3. Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland
It’s been an uneven year for Wawrinka but none of his losses at Slams would be considered bad ones. Always a threat on hardcourts, and his decision to sit out Rio may pay dividends against an exhausted field. Will have to work in first rounder against Verdasco (see: Nadal in Melbourne.)
4. Rafael Nadal, Spain
You always worry about the injury (especially to a wrist), but based on Rio, Nadal has played himself back into contention. Gold in doubles, a semifinal showing in singles and an unmistakable message that he still has some A-level tennis in him.
5. Milos Raonic, Canada
You have the sense that Raonic genuinely thought he could win Wimbledon and—especially having come so close—the rest of his year has the aroma of anticlimax. On the serve alone, he can play to his seeding. But can he beat Murray or Djokovic in a best-of-five?
6. Kei Nishikori, Japan
After that blazingly successful 2014 U.S. Open, Nishikori has been awfully quiet in majors. Though not unrelated, he needs to contend with a deficit of power and a body that consistently betrays him at best-of-five majors. He took a bronze medal away from Rio but still looks for the Slam breakthrough.
7. Marin Cilic, Croatia
The 2014 U.S. Open champ is always a danger, especially on hard courts. Comes with a new coach after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic and a strong run to the title in Cincy. Even assuming full health, how’s his confidence after some rough summer losses?
8. Dominic Thiem, Austria
A newcomer to the top echelon deserves credit for his 2016 ascent. But, predictably, he hit the wall after (over)playing so many matches in the first half of 2016. Love the forehand. Love the one-handed backhand. Love the potential. But is he played out for 2016?
9. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France
Even at full health—which is seldom the case—there’s an unmistakable sense that, sadly, he’s deep into the back nine of his career.
10. Gael Monfils, France
As he nears 30 and perhaps realizes the mortality of a sports career, LeMonf is playing some of the best tennis of his life.
1. Novak Djokovic, Serbia
Inasmuch as a defending champ, World No.1 and 12-time major winner can have a crucial event, Djokovic kinda-sorta needs this to reassert himself. I wouldn’t—and don’t—bet against him, but two straight Slam defeats is something he hasn’t experienced since 2014. Interesting second rounder against Jiri Vesely, one of just five men to beat him in 2016.
2. Andy Murray, Great Britain
You could make a case that Murray is suddenly the player to beat. “Fresh” off a Wimbledon title and Olympic gold, he is coming off of a 21-match win streak—the longest of his career which ended in the Cincy final—and riding a wave of confidence. Starts against his friend Lukas Rosol.
3. Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland
It’s been an uneven year for Wawrinka but none of his losses at Slams would be considered bad ones. Always a threat on hardcourts, and his decision to sit out Rio may pay dividends against an exhausted field. Will have to work in first rounder against Verdasco (see: Nadal in Melbourne.)
4. Rafael Nadal, Spain
You always worry about the injury (especially to a wrist), but based on Rio, Nadal has played himself back into contention. Gold in doubles, a semifinal showing in singles and an unmistakable message that he still has some A-level tennis in him.
5. Milos Raonic, Canada
You have the sense that Raonic genuinely thought he could win Wimbledon and—especially having come so close—the rest of his year has the aroma of anticlimax. On the serve alone, he can play to his seeding. But can he beat Murray or Djokovic in a best-of-five?
6. Kei Nishikori, Japan
After that blazingly successful 2014 U.S. Open, Nishikori has been awfully quiet in majors. Though not unrelated, he needs to contend with a deficit of power and a body that consistently betrays him at best-of-five majors. He took a bronze medal away from Rio but still looks for the Slam breakthrough.
7. Marin Cilic, Croatia
The 2014 U.S. Open champ is always a danger, especially on hard courts. Comes with a new coach after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic and a strong run to the title in Cincy. Even assuming full health, how’s his confidence after some rough summer losses?
8. Dominic Thiem, Austria
A newcomer to the top echelon deserves credit for his 2016 ascent. But, predictably, he hit the wall after (over)playing so many matches in the first half of 2016. Love the forehand. Love the one-handed backhand. Love the potential. But is he played out for 2016?
9. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France
Even at full health—which is seldom the case—there’s an unmistakable sense that, sadly, he’s deep into the back nine of his career.
10. Gael Monfils, France
As he nears 30 and perhaps realizes the mortality of a sports career, LeMonf is playing some of the best tennis of his life.
2016 U.S. Open men's seed report: Dark horses, matches to watch.....11-20
11. David Ferrer, Spain
Sadly, at 34, he’s slowing down a bit, as evidenced by his expulsion from the top ten. But we say it again: now’s a good time to credit him for his career. Tennis’ ultimate talent maximizer, this guy.
12. David Goffin, Belgium
Fast becoming a favorite among the cognoscenti, an efficient, slick moving player who doesn't bring much power to bear but generally wins the matches he should and competes well in the ones he shouldn’t.
13. Richard Gasquet, France
He is what he is. An awfully nice guy with a beautiful backhand who has no problem getting to the second week of a major—to wit: his quarterfinal showing last year—but isn’t up to closing.
14. Nick Kyrgios, Australia
A few lapses notwithstanding, his tennis has overshadowed his antics. He likes the big stage. His draw is hardly unreasonable. Week two is a definite possibility. Go ahead and condemn some of the antics and the comments. But look at his results in 2016 and “underachiever” isn’t exactly the word that springs to mind.
15. Roberto Bautista Agut, Spain
A vexing opponent who annoys more than he wounds.
16. Feliciano Lopez, Spain
Nice effort simply being seeded, given that he turns 35 the week after the event ends.
17. Bernard Tomic, Australia
Like Kyrgios, the guy can be a knucklehead but how do you go so hard on the “underachiever” charge when he’s in the top 20?
18. Pablo Cuevas, Uruguay
A perpetual dark horse.
19. Steve Johnson, United States
Simply put: he knows how to win matches.
20. John Isner, United States
The trend lines are going in the wrong direction, but that serve.
11. David Ferrer, Spain
Sadly, at 34, he’s slowing down a bit, as evidenced by his expulsion from the top ten. But we say it again: now’s a good time to credit him for his career. Tennis’ ultimate talent maximizer, this guy.
12. David Goffin, Belgium
Fast becoming a favorite among the cognoscenti, an efficient, slick moving player who doesn't bring much power to bear but generally wins the matches he should and competes well in the ones he shouldn’t.
13. Richard Gasquet, France
He is what he is. An awfully nice guy with a beautiful backhand who has no problem getting to the second week of a major—to wit: his quarterfinal showing last year—but isn’t up to closing.
14. Nick Kyrgios, Australia
A few lapses notwithstanding, his tennis has overshadowed his antics. He likes the big stage. His draw is hardly unreasonable. Week two is a definite possibility. Go ahead and condemn some of the antics and the comments. But look at his results in 2016 and “underachiever” isn’t exactly the word that springs to mind.
15. Roberto Bautista Agut, Spain
A vexing opponent who annoys more than he wounds.
16. Feliciano Lopez, Spain
Nice effort simply being seeded, given that he turns 35 the week after the event ends.
17. Bernard Tomic, Australia
Like Kyrgios, the guy can be a knucklehead but how do you go so hard on the “underachiever” charge when he’s in the top 20?
18. Pablo Cuevas, Uruguay
A perpetual dark horse.
19. Steve Johnson, United States
Simply put: he knows how to win matches.
20. John Isner, United States
The trend lines are going in the wrong direction, but that serve.
2016 U.S. Open men's seed report: Dark horses, matches to watch.....21-27
21. Ivo Karlovic, Croatia
At age 37, he’s turned in a terrific summer.
22. Grigor Dimitrov, Bulgaria
Quietly getting back to where he once belonged.
23. Kevin Anderson, South Africa
Trying the salvage a meh year.
24. Lucas Pouille, France
Coming off a quarterfinal performance at Wimbledon.
25. Jack Sock, United States
Behold the forehand of the two-medal winner in Rio.
26. Alexander Zverev, Germany
Anointed as a future champion but it’s been a rough summer.
27. Sam Querrey, United States
Coming off the Slam of his life. Tough first rounder against Tipsarevic.
21. Ivo Karlovic, Croatia
At age 37, he’s turned in a terrific summer.
22. Grigor Dimitrov, Bulgaria
Quietly getting back to where he once belonged.
23. Kevin Anderson, South Africa
Trying the salvage a meh year.
24. Lucas Pouille, France
Coming off a quarterfinal performance at Wimbledon.
25. Jack Sock, United States
Behold the forehand of the two-medal winner in Rio.
26. Alexander Zverev, Germany
Anointed as a future champion but it’s been a rough summer.
27. Sam Querrey, United States
Coming off the Slam of his life. Tough first rounder against Tipsarevic.
2016 U.S. Open women's seed report: Dark horses, matches to watch.....1-8
1. Serena Williams, United States Well, it’s been an interesting ride since Wimbledon 2015. She won the previous major—and is still No. 1—but the shoulder injury is a cause for concern. Then again, she is Serena Williams—something no one else in the field can say. Rough first rounder against Makarova, a former Top 10-er, a former U.S. Open semifinalist and a former vanquisher of Serena at a hardcourt major.
2. Angelique Kerber, Germany
A supreme year. But you wonder about the mental toll of a) her inability to win the gold medal match in Rio and b) the inability to win a match with the No. 1 ranking on the line.
3. Garbiñe Muguruza, Spain
It's been a disappointing summer for Mugu. But she broke through in Paris and you sense that she’s as good as she believes she can be. She could win the title. She could lose in week one. Eventually, the consistency will come.
4. Agnieszka Radwanska, Poland
For a player ranked so immodestly, Radwanska’s results have been unremarkable this year. Due for a deep run.
5. Simona Halep, Romania
Same song, different verse: Harsh as this will sound, we’ve sort of entered the what-have-you-done-for-us-lately zone. A top-five player for several years now, but the natives are growing restless. Will get an early test against Kirsten Flipkens in round one.
6. Venus Williams, United States
Without grading Venus on a curve, she is a Top 10 player, a former champion and threat to win any event she enters. But seven matches is, unfortunately, a tall order for her. Has to like her draw, but a potential middle weekend match against Pliskova is cause for concern.
7. Roberta Vinci, Italy
Returns to the scene of the crime. Whether it’s motivation or pressure, her play is 2016 has been such that, absent a strong showing, she’s due for a major slip in the rankings.
8. Madison Keys, United States
The newest member of the Top 10 and, as we saw in Rio, there’s still room to grow. If she could make like a child with a coloring book and work inside the lines, she has a real shot at the title.
1. Serena Williams, United States Well, it’s been an interesting ride since Wimbledon 2015. She won the previous major—and is still No. 1—but the shoulder injury is a cause for concern. Then again, she is Serena Williams—something no one else in the field can say. Rough first rounder against Makarova, a former Top 10-er, a former U.S. Open semifinalist and a former vanquisher of Serena at a hardcourt major.
2. Angelique Kerber, Germany
A supreme year. But you wonder about the mental toll of a) her inability to win the gold medal match in Rio and b) the inability to win a match with the No. 1 ranking on the line.
3. Garbiñe Muguruza, Spain
It's been a disappointing summer for Mugu. But she broke through in Paris and you sense that she’s as good as she believes she can be. She could win the title. She could lose in week one. Eventually, the consistency will come.
4. Agnieszka Radwanska, Poland
For a player ranked so immodestly, Radwanska’s results have been unremarkable this year. Due for a deep run.
5. Simona Halep, Romania
Same song, different verse: Harsh as this will sound, we’ve sort of entered the what-have-you-done-for-us-lately zone. A top-five player for several years now, but the natives are growing restless. Will get an early test against Kirsten Flipkens in round one.
6. Venus Williams, United States
Without grading Venus on a curve, she is a Top 10 player, a former champion and threat to win any event she enters. But seven matches is, unfortunately, a tall order for her. Has to like her draw, but a potential middle weekend match against Pliskova is cause for concern.
7. Roberta Vinci, Italy
Returns to the scene of the crime. Whether it’s motivation or pressure, her play is 2016 has been such that, absent a strong showing, she’s due for a major slip in the rankings.
8. Madison Keys, United States
The newest member of the Top 10 and, as we saw in Rio, there’s still room to grow. If she could make like a child with a coloring book and work inside the lines, she has a real shot at the title.
2016 U.S. Open women's seed report: Dark horses, matches to watch.....9-16
9. Svetlana Kuznetsova, Russia
Somehow her erratic play always strikes as more endearing than annoying. A former champ certainly has the weapons to win—if she’s in the mood.
10. Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic
An intriguing player with a big game, fresh from wining Cincy, the biggest title of her career. Now, she needs a Grand Slam breakthrough. Starts off against Sofia Kenin.
11. Carla Suarez Navarro, Spain
Become a bit like the Richard Gasquet of the women’s game. Gorgeous backhand, pleasant disposition, three wins and out.
12. Dominika Cibulkova, Slovakia
A player who a) knows how to win and b) thieves on big stages. Not a lot of match post-Wimbledon (and post-wedding) but that might mean she’s fresh.
13. Johanna Konta, Great Britain
Outside the top 100 at this time last year, she’s now on the cusp of the Top 10. Not unlike Stevie Johnson, she simply knows how to win matches.
14. Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic
After a disappointing year Kvitova showed flashes of her greatness in Rio where she won bronze. In a career marked by wild swings, you feel like she’s due for a strong Slam.
15. Timea Bacsinszky, Switzerland
We like the game and the backhand and don't-take-myself-too-seriously disposition. If she’s not a threat, she can still make life difficult for a lot of higher ranked opponents.
16. Samantha Stosur, Australia
Former U.S. Open champ still capable of high-level tennis under the right circumstances.
9. Svetlana Kuznetsova, Russia
Somehow her erratic play always strikes as more endearing than annoying. A former champ certainly has the weapons to win—if she’s in the mood.
10. Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic
An intriguing player with a big game, fresh from wining Cincy, the biggest title of her career. Now, she needs a Grand Slam breakthrough. Starts off against Sofia Kenin.
11. Carla Suarez Navarro, Spain
Become a bit like the Richard Gasquet of the women’s game. Gorgeous backhand, pleasant disposition, three wins and out.
12. Dominika Cibulkova, Slovakia
A player who a) knows how to win and b) thieves on big stages. Not a lot of match post-Wimbledon (and post-wedding) but that might mean she’s fresh.
13. Johanna Konta, Great Britain
Outside the top 100 at this time last year, she’s now on the cusp of the Top 10. Not unlike Stevie Johnson, she simply knows how to win matches.
14. Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic
After a disappointing year Kvitova showed flashes of her greatness in Rio where she won bronze. In a career marked by wild swings, you feel like she’s due for a strong Slam.
15. Timea Bacsinszky, Switzerland
We like the game and the backhand and don't-take-myself-too-seriously disposition. If she’s not a threat, she can still make life difficult for a lot of higher ranked opponents.
16. Samantha Stosur, Australia
Former U.S. Open champ still capable of high-level tennis under the right circumstances.
2016 U.S. Open women's seed report: Dark horses, matches to watch.....17-25
17. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russia
Quietly in the throes of a strong year.
18. Elena Vesnina, Russia
Ranking improved almost 100 slots since the start of the year.
19. Kiki Bertens, Netherlands
A world-beater in France.
20. Elina Svitolina, Ukraine
Most recent player to beat Serena.
21. Daria Kasatkina, Russia
Russian teen quietly climbing ranks.
22. Belinda Bencic, Switzerland
An injury-filled 2016. Has a lot of game, but the former junior champ is still in search of that Grand Slam breakthrough.
23. CoCo Vandeweghe, United States
It’s an unofficial title but she holds it: best serve in the women’s game when Serena has shoulder problem.
24. Ana Ivanovic, Serbia
Former No. 1 players always get mention. (Even if you wonder how much longer she wants to keep going like this.)
25. Monica Puig, Puerto Rico
If the Olympics had awarded points this year, the gold medal winner would have been near the top 20. Comes in as a redefined player. Can she build on Rio?
17. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russia
Quietly in the throes of a strong year.
18. Elena Vesnina, Russia
Ranking improved almost 100 slots since the start of the year.
19. Kiki Bertens, Netherlands
A world-beater in France.
20. Elina Svitolina, Ukraine
Most recent player to beat Serena.
21. Daria Kasatkina, Russia
Russian teen quietly climbing ranks.
22. Belinda Bencic, Switzerland
An injury-filled 2016. Has a lot of game, but the former junior champ is still in search of that Grand Slam breakthrough.
23. CoCo Vandeweghe, United States
It’s an unofficial title but she holds it: best serve in the women’s game when Serena has shoulder problem.
24. Ana Ivanovic, Serbia
Former No. 1 players always get mention. (Even if you wonder how much longer she wants to keep going like this.)
25. Monica Puig, Puerto Rico
If the Olympics had awarded points this year, the gold medal winner would have been near the top 20. Comes in as a redefined player. Can she build on Rio?
Opening day is stacked with stars.
New stadiums, wider walkways, refurbished field courts and a retractable roof in Arthur Ashe Stadium; there’ve been a host of changes made to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center since the final point was played here last year. But amid all the change, one thing remains constant—on this first day of play, 128 men and 128 women wake up hoping hard that they have the stuff to string together seven wins over the course of the next two weeks, allowing them to stand alone at the end of the Flushing fortnight. Only two can, of course—that never changes, either. But on this day, all are equal.
Of course, some are more equal than others.
Day 1 of the 2016 US Open features a stellar lineup of talent; some familiar with the thrill of victory here; others hoping to experience it for the first time. Men’s top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic leads today’s list of luminaries, which also includes women’s second-seed Angelique Kerber, No. 3 seed Garbiñe Muguruza, No. 8 seed Madison Keys, Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig, 2004 US Open champ Svetlana Kuznetsova, former men’s titlists Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic, Americans John Isner, Frances Tiafoe, Jack Sock, Taylor Fritz and Ryan Harrison, and Flushing fan favorites Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils. Tonight, Phil Collins provides the Opening Night entertainment. Before and after, a host of tennis’ top talents will be looking to turn it on again; each with a long, long way to go.
Djokovic returns to New York on the heels of a so-so summer, in which he won the hard-court Toronto event but lost in the third round of Wimbledon and the first round at the Rio Olympic Games. Despite a nagging wrist injury, the men’s top seed still figures as the top pick here. Djokovic has won seven titles this year, including the Australian and French Opens, bringing his major mark to 12. But the 29-year-old Serb won’t have the luxury of playing his way into this event, facing the feisty Jerzy Janowicz in round one. Janowicz, a 2013 Wimbledon semifinalist, has been ranked as high as No. 14 in the world and owns one of the biggest serves in the game, using all of his 6-foot-8 frame to launch his lethal deliveries. Still, the 25-year-old Pole, sidelined most of this year with a knee injury, has never been past the second round here in four tries. This figures as a good early test for the men’s No. 1, but it’s also one he figures to pass. In a tight three, the men’s No. 1 is on to round two.
Like Djokovic, men’s No. 4 seed Nadal, who took the title here in 2010 and 2013, also is dealing with a troublesome wrist, an injury that forced him to withdraw from this year’s French and sidelined the 30-year-old Spaniard from Wimbledon, as well. Nadal, the owner of 14 career Grand Slam singles titles, looked pretty solid in reaching the semis in singles at the Rio Olympics and pairing with countryman Marc Lopez to take gold in the doubles. But he comes to New York having played just two post-Rio matches, losing in the third round at Cincinnati. Nadal opens this Open against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, a familiar foe over whom he owns a 4-0 career edge. The 29-year-old Istomin reached the fourth round here in 2013, matching his best career Slam showing. This goes three; Nadal goes on.
An all-American battle figures to add some serious sizzle to today’s slate, as the No. 26 seed Sock squares off with the fast-rising Fritz, the second time this year that the two have met in the first round of a Slam. Sock’s five-set win over his countryman in the first round of the Australian Open in January became an instant classic, as Sock rallied back from two-sets-to-one down to score the win. Sock has one career singles title, winning the clay-court Houston event in 2015.
But the 23-year-old, who won the boys title here in 2010, does own a nice collection of major hardware, winning the US Open mixed crown with Melanie Oudin in 2011 and the Wimbledon men’s doubles title with Canada’s Vasek Pospisil in 2014. At the recent Rio Olympics, Sock won bronze with Steve Johnson in men’s doubles and teamed with Bethanie Mattek-Sands to take gold in the mixed. The 18-year-old Fritz is a coming talent who may already have arrived. The 6-foot-4 Californian has all the tools, including a blistering serve and punishing ground game, to make him a force at the game’s greatest events. He reached his first ATP Tour final in just his third career event earlier this year, blasting his way into the final at the hard-court Memphis event, before losing there to Kei Nishikori. Last year’s US Open boys' champ, Fritz now seems ready to compete with the big boys for the biggest titles. In a ferocious four, Fritz advances.
Second-seeded Kerber has put together a season that’s second-to-none, winning her first career Slam singles title by knocking off Serena Williams in Australia and then finishing runner-up to Williams at Wimbledon. The 28-year-old German captured a silver medal at the Rio Olympics and reached the final of the Cincinnati event two weeks ago. A win there would have earned Kerber the No. 1 ranking in women’s tennis, but she seemed to run out of gas in that match, losing 6-3, 6-1 to Karolina Pliskova. Still, even from the bottom line, Kerber is a top threat, having already proven that she’s got the mettle to make her mark at the majors. Monday, she looks to take a first step toward more Slam success as she takes on Polona Hercog, a 25-year-old Slovenian who has ranked as high as No. 35 but now stands at No. 116. Hercog owns two career singles titles but enters the Open at 6-16 on the year, with just one win at the three prior majors. The Slovenian actually owns a 2-1 career edge over Kerber, but the two haven’t met since 2011. At this time, on this stage, Kerber is clearly the superior talent. In two, the second seed moves on.
Keys, who owns one of the most powerful serves in the women’s game, has this season developed a more complete and well-rounded attack, making her a more consistent threat. At No. 9, the 21-year-old is the youngest member of the women’s Top 10 and the first American woman to crack that elite group since Serena Williams first broke through in 1999. Keys’ limitless talent would seem to indicate that climbing higher in the rankings won’t be too tall a task, and her run to the semis of last year’s Australian Open and the quarters of Wimbledon that same year, prove that she’s got what it takes to shine on the game’s greatest stages. This year, she’s reached the fourth round of the season’s first three Slams and would seem to have a pretty fair chance to at least equal that showing here in New York. She’ll look to take her first step against countrywoman Alison Riske, a veteran talent whose fourth-round showing here in 2013 marks her best career finish at a major. Riske has played her way into two finals this year and reached the semis at this summer’s Stanford hard-court event, but she’s yet to win a match against Keys in four career meetings, the most recent coming this spring in Madrid. Keys would seem to have too much game and too much on the line to lose early here. In two, Keys is into the second round.
New stadiums, wider walkways, refurbished field courts and a retractable roof in Arthur Ashe Stadium; there’ve been a host of changes made to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center since the final point was played here last year. But amid all the change, one thing remains constant—on this first day of play, 128 men and 128 women wake up hoping hard that they have the stuff to string together seven wins over the course of the next two weeks, allowing them to stand alone at the end of the Flushing fortnight. Only two can, of course—that never changes, either. But on this day, all are equal.
Of course, some are more equal than others.
Day 1 of the 2016 US Open features a stellar lineup of talent; some familiar with the thrill of victory here; others hoping to experience it for the first time. Men’s top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic leads today’s list of luminaries, which also includes women’s second-seed Angelique Kerber, No. 3 seed Garbiñe Muguruza, No. 8 seed Madison Keys, Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig, 2004 US Open champ Svetlana Kuznetsova, former men’s titlists Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic, Americans John Isner, Frances Tiafoe, Jack Sock, Taylor Fritz and Ryan Harrison, and Flushing fan favorites Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils. Tonight, Phil Collins provides the Opening Night entertainment. Before and after, a host of tennis’ top talents will be looking to turn it on again; each with a long, long way to go.
Djokovic returns to New York on the heels of a so-so summer, in which he won the hard-court Toronto event but lost in the third round of Wimbledon and the first round at the Rio Olympic Games. Despite a nagging wrist injury, the men’s top seed still figures as the top pick here. Djokovic has won seven titles this year, including the Australian and French Opens, bringing his major mark to 12. But the 29-year-old Serb won’t have the luxury of playing his way into this event, facing the feisty Jerzy Janowicz in round one. Janowicz, a 2013 Wimbledon semifinalist, has been ranked as high as No. 14 in the world and owns one of the biggest serves in the game, using all of his 6-foot-8 frame to launch his lethal deliveries. Still, the 25-year-old Pole, sidelined most of this year with a knee injury, has never been past the second round here in four tries. This figures as a good early test for the men’s No. 1, but it’s also one he figures to pass. In a tight three, the men’s No. 1 is on to round two.
Like Djokovic, men’s No. 4 seed Nadal, who took the title here in 2010 and 2013, also is dealing with a troublesome wrist, an injury that forced him to withdraw from this year’s French and sidelined the 30-year-old Spaniard from Wimbledon, as well. Nadal, the owner of 14 career Grand Slam singles titles, looked pretty solid in reaching the semis in singles at the Rio Olympics and pairing with countryman Marc Lopez to take gold in the doubles. But he comes to New York having played just two post-Rio matches, losing in the third round at Cincinnati. Nadal opens this Open against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, a familiar foe over whom he owns a 4-0 career edge. The 29-year-old Istomin reached the fourth round here in 2013, matching his best career Slam showing. This goes three; Nadal goes on.
An all-American battle figures to add some serious sizzle to today’s slate, as the No. 26 seed Sock squares off with the fast-rising Fritz, the second time this year that the two have met in the first round of a Slam. Sock’s five-set win over his countryman in the first round of the Australian Open in January became an instant classic, as Sock rallied back from two-sets-to-one down to score the win. Sock has one career singles title, winning the clay-court Houston event in 2015.
But the 23-year-old, who won the boys title here in 2010, does own a nice collection of major hardware, winning the US Open mixed crown with Melanie Oudin in 2011 and the Wimbledon men’s doubles title with Canada’s Vasek Pospisil in 2014. At the recent Rio Olympics, Sock won bronze with Steve Johnson in men’s doubles and teamed with Bethanie Mattek-Sands to take gold in the mixed. The 18-year-old Fritz is a coming talent who may already have arrived. The 6-foot-4 Californian has all the tools, including a blistering serve and punishing ground game, to make him a force at the game’s greatest events. He reached his first ATP Tour final in just his third career event earlier this year, blasting his way into the final at the hard-court Memphis event, before losing there to Kei Nishikori. Last year’s US Open boys' champ, Fritz now seems ready to compete with the big boys for the biggest titles. In a ferocious four, Fritz advances.
Second-seeded Kerber has put together a season that’s second-to-none, winning her first career Slam singles title by knocking off Serena Williams in Australia and then finishing runner-up to Williams at Wimbledon. The 28-year-old German captured a silver medal at the Rio Olympics and reached the final of the Cincinnati event two weeks ago. A win there would have earned Kerber the No. 1 ranking in women’s tennis, but she seemed to run out of gas in that match, losing 6-3, 6-1 to Karolina Pliskova. Still, even from the bottom line, Kerber is a top threat, having already proven that she’s got the mettle to make her mark at the majors. Monday, she looks to take a first step toward more Slam success as she takes on Polona Hercog, a 25-year-old Slovenian who has ranked as high as No. 35 but now stands at No. 116. Hercog owns two career singles titles but enters the Open at 6-16 on the year, with just one win at the three prior majors. The Slovenian actually owns a 2-1 career edge over Kerber, but the two haven’t met since 2011. At this time, on this stage, Kerber is clearly the superior talent. In two, the second seed moves on.
Keys, who owns one of the most powerful serves in the women’s game, has this season developed a more complete and well-rounded attack, making her a more consistent threat. At No. 9, the 21-year-old is the youngest member of the women’s Top 10 and the first American woman to crack that elite group since Serena Williams first broke through in 1999. Keys’ limitless talent would seem to indicate that climbing higher in the rankings won’t be too tall a task, and her run to the semis of last year’s Australian Open and the quarters of Wimbledon that same year, prove that she’s got what it takes to shine on the game’s greatest stages. This year, she’s reached the fourth round of the season’s first three Slams and would seem to have a pretty fair chance to at least equal that showing here in New York. She’ll look to take her first step against countrywoman Alison Riske, a veteran talent whose fourth-round showing here in 2013 marks her best career finish at a major. Riske has played her way into two finals this year and reached the semis at this summer’s Stanford hard-court event, but she’s yet to win a match against Keys in four career meetings, the most recent coming this spring in Madrid. Keys would seem to have too much game and too much on the line to lose early here. In two, Keys is into the second round.
Here are five things to know ahead of Day 1 at the US Open:
1-There are 15 teenagers in the draw.
2-The youngest is Kayla Day, 16, from Santa Barbara, California.
3-Aside from the Williams sisters, there will be another sibling pairing in the main draw (Ryan and Christian Harrison).
4-The old Grandstand, which was supposed to be used only for practice is back (for now), after Court 10 was deemed unplayable.
5-This marks the 51st straight major a Big Four member (Novak Djokovic) is the top seed. For the third time, Djokovic enters the Open with five or fewer losses. He won the event the other two times.
1-There are 15 teenagers in the draw.
2-The youngest is Kayla Day, 16, from Santa Barbara, California.
3-Aside from the Williams sisters, there will be another sibling pairing in the main draw (Ryan and Christian Harrison).
4-The old Grandstand, which was supposed to be used only for practice is back (for now), after Court 10 was deemed unplayable.
5-This marks the 51st straight major a Big Four member (Novak Djokovic) is the top seed. For the third time, Djokovic enters the Open with five or fewer losses. He won the event the other two times.
We have our 1st upset.....Unseeded Brit Kyle Edmunds takes out # 13 Richard Gasquet in straight sets... 6-2...6-2...6-3....Very impressive!
Jack being nice to the fans.
Rafa in action as we speak.....Wins the 1st set...6-1.....Good luck Rafa!
