US Open: Can Djokovic avenge Wimbledon defeat?

Tennis fans across the world have only just recovered from an exhilarating two weeks at Wimbledon, but they’re already being served up another treat. The US Open gets underway in New York on Monday and we’re set for another fortnight of full-throttle action.

Novak Djokovic reminded us just how good he was at Wimbledon despite falling at the final hurdle and he’ll be seeking revenge on Carlos Alcaraz, the new kid on the block. Meanwhile, Marketa Vondrousova is targeting the unlikeliest of doubles following her shock Wimbledon win – but there’s a strong list of contenders standing in her way.

Ahead of the competition at Flushing Meadows, we’ve taken a look at the contenders that are set to battle it out for both the men’s and women’s titles.

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Djokovic and Alcaraz to resume rivalry

After seemingly passing the baton to Alcaraz at Wimbledon last month, Djokovic is desperate to show the world that he’s not quite finished yet. Despite the defeat in SW19, the Serbian played some of the best tennis of his career and he remains the favourite to claim his fourth US Open title.

Djokovic is targeting his 24th Grand Slam, and his third this year, and he’ll be looking to bounce back in style following Wimbledon. He showed that Alcaraz doesn’t quite have his number yet as he came from a set down to beat him in the Cincinnati Masters final last weekend.

But Alcaraz will be looking to continue the startling form that saw him claim his second major title in south London. The 20-year-old is looking to retain his crown in New York having defeated Casper Ruud a year ago. Following his win at Wimbledon, it’s clear that Alcaraz is the future star of tennis – but Djokovic’s recent form has shown that he’s not quite ready to step away from the top table.

Who else could challenge for the US Open?

World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev’s only Grand Slam title came at the US Open back in 2021. The Russian has enjoyed a strong season and he battled well as he ultimately lost in straight sets to Alcaraz in the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

Djokovic’s semi-final opponent Jannik Sinner is also a contender to keep an eye on. At 22, he’s another star with a bright future and he reached the quarter-finals this time last year. The Italian followed up his final four showing at Wimbledon by winning the Canadian Open earlier this month, defeating Andy Murray in the round of 16.

Despite withdrawing from the Cincinnati Masters, Murray looks set to compete at Flushing Meadows. The British legend won the competition back in 2012 and while he won’t expect to repeat history this time around, he’ll still secretly be dreaming of a fairytale few weeks in what will likely be one of his final US Open appearances.

Can Vondrousova defy the odds again?

The world of tennis was in shock last month as Vondrousova became the first unseeded player to ever win the Wimbledon’s women’s singles title. The Czech comfortably dispatched Ons Jabeur in straight sets to claim her first Grand Slam title.

Vondrousova, who is ranked ninth in the world, will be looking to spring another surprise and make it two out of two at the US Open, where she’s never made it past the fourth round.

Standing in her way will likely be World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who is targeting back-to-back US Open titles. The four-time Grand Slam winner put a disappointing Wimbledon quarter-final exit behind her by racing to victory in the Poland Open, winning every set in the process.

This year’s Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will also fancy her chances and she’ll be keen to avenge a semi-final defeat to Swiatek this time last summer. Elsewhere, Elena Rybakina will be looking to add the US Open to last year’s Wimbledon title, although she’ll need to improve in New York, having never got as far as the fourth round.

US stars Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula will be well supported on home soil. Meanwhile, shock 2021 winner Emma Raducanu will be absent as she recovers from wrist surgery.

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