By Daniel Edu
Novak Djokovic is set to begin his pursuit of a 24th Grand Slam singles title as the US Open kicks off. The Serbian player, who is currently ranked second, only needs to secure a victory in the first round to reclaim the world number one ranking. Djokovic, who missed the 2022 US Open due to his vaccine refusal, returns to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. He is scheduled to play against Alexandre Muller, the world number 84 from France, in a night session on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic recently defeated the current world number one and defending US Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz, at the Cincinnati Open, placing him within 20 points of regaining the top ranking. Alcaraz, who had previously beaten Djokovic in a five-set Wimbledon final, is set to begin his US Open campaign on Tuesday.
Although there is speculation of a potential rematch between Alcaraz and Djokovic in the men’s final, Djokovic is focused on taking each match as it comes and not getting ahead of himself. He emphasized the importance of respecting his opponents and not underestimating them.
Meanwhile, the US Open also features American players Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, who aim to break the two-decade-long drought for an American male Grand Slam champion. In the women’s draw, defending champion Iga Swiatek faces Rebecca Peterson in her opening match. Swiatek, the current world number one, is looking for her fifth career Grand Slam. US teenager Coco Gauff is also a prominent figure in the tournament, riding high on recent victories and increased confidence.
The US Open promises exciting matches and potentially historic outcomes as the world’s top tennis players compete for glory.
