Novak Djokovic goes on a quest for history

Finally we’re here: the best tennis players in the world come together under one roof: that of the US Open – ready to fight for the New York crown. It is the last Slam of the season, the tournament that has historically produced more surprises than anyone expected on the eve. Will it really be like that in 2024?

Novak Djokovicreigning champion, has another chance to rewrite tennis history. The Serb is chasing his 25th Major and the wings of enthusiasm after his Olympic victory in Paris, could lead him to his first title of the season here in Flushing Meadows.

One step closer.

The US Open Men’s Singles draw has been announced! photo.twitter.com/gM38w7oapj

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 22, 2024

For the second time after Wimbledon, ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner will be the first seed of the event. The debut will be with American Mackenzie McDonald, then the possible remake of the Cincinnati Challenge with Michelsen or a tennis player from the qualifications.

The first dangers could go straight into the round of 16 with Tommy Paul or Frenchman Arthur Fils. Possibly not the best opponents for the quarterfinals, as both Stefanos Tsitsipas And Daniel Medvedev are present. In the semi-finals, as already happened at Roland Garros and London, there could be the super challenge with Carlos Alcaraz.

For the Spaniard, already 4-time Slam winner, debut against a qualifier. Exciting is the possible second round with Denis Shapovalov, who first has to get off the Zandschulp. The pitfalls are not lacking for the Spaniard, with Jack Draper (possible third round) and Sebastian Korda, one of the hypothetical opponents in the round of 16. The main player who is expected to face him in the quarterfinals is Hubert Hurkaczeven if he is recovering from an injury as in the case of Alex De Minaur.

Alexander Zverev is one of the favorites and expectations are high on the eve of the tournament. Not a bad draw for the German, who in the eighth finals Holger rune and Lorenzo Musetti, who will debut with the returning Reilly Opelka and has a difficult third round on paper with the young Dane. In this third part of the draw are also Casper Ruud, Matteo Berrettini and especially Taylor Fritz.

Returning to Novak Djokovic, the Serbian champion will try to be a big protagonist in New York. After a first round with a qualification, Nole could find himself against the fearsome Jan-Lennard Struff. In the round of 16, the threat could be represented by Ben Shelton or Frances TiafoeHowever, in the quarterfinals Djokovic gets a glimpse Andrei Rublev. The number 2 of the series managed to avoid both Sinner (he was already certain, as first of the draw) and Alcaraz again, as happened in Paris and Wimbledon. Will he be able to take advantage of this to reach the final?

I see – in theory – Carlos Alcaraz as the natural favorite to win the tournament. The pitfalls on the North American hard courts on the eve of Flushing Meadows should not distract: on the contrary, I am sure that the Spaniard will arrive full of energy, after the Olympic disappointment, Toronto and Cincinnati. Sinner is of course the other big favorite.

Let us know if you see it 👀 photo.twitter.com/VaHKcsZbjB

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 23, 2024

The Italian arrives in New York after his triumph in Cincinnati, after months of ups and downs and especially after the doping issue. A situation that could jeopardize the mental side of the young Italian. The climatic conditions in New York should not be underestimated, which last year were fatal for Sinner’s physique, as seen in the match against Zverev. Zverev and Medvedev will have their chances to reach the final, but among the outsiders I think – between the push of the home crowd and the growth we have seen, are Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul.

Finally Djokovic. Nole can make history. The Serb arrives after weeks of rest following his Olympic gold medal win. After working well after the Paris Olympics and the excitement of another career milestone, Nole could be the fuel needed to push him to the 25th Major. Can Djokovic win the US Open? In my opinion, yes, for the factors I analyzed above and for a draw that puts him in a better position than Alcaraz and Sinner.

Qualche sassolino dalla scarpa te lo sei tolto Jan met questo 1000,e agli #USOpen ti ritornerà pure il sorriso…vamossssss 💪💪💪❤️#Sinner #CincinnatiOpen photo.twitter.com/rA7TW16FhY

— Renato (@brontolodesign) August 20, 2024