Alcaraz and Djokovic: American Challenges at the US Open
The US Open is preparing to welcome the stars of world tennis, with Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic ready to face tough American opponents in their quest for another title. The competition promises strong emotions from the start.
Venus Williams, at 45 years old, returns to the tournament and will face Karolina Muchova, seeded number 11 and a semifinalist in New York in the last two years. This match is shaping up to be one of the most outstanding of the first rounds.
The tournament, which will begin a day earlier than usual, on Sunday, will test several recent US Open champions.
Alcaraz, seeded number 2, will debut against Reilly Opelka. Opelka, known for his powerful serve, seeks to advance in the tournament.
Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, will face Learner Tien, a young left-hander who surprised at the Australian Open.
Djokovic could have to overcome Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals, Alcaraz in the semifinals, and Jannik Sinner, the defending champion, in the final.
Venus Williams received a wild card and will be the oldest player to compete in singles at Flushing Meadows since 1981. She will face Muchova, who has shown her ability to excel in major tournaments.
Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, will face Ajla Tomljanovic in her first match.
Possible men’s quarterfinals include Sinner vs. Jack Draper, and Alexander Zverev vs. Alex de Minaur. In the bottom half of the draw, Alcaraz could face Ben Shelton, and Fritz could face Djokovic.
In the women’s bracket, the quarterfinals could be Aryna Sabalenka vs. Jasmine Paolini, and Jessica Pegula vs. Mirra Andreeva. Iga Swiatek could face Amanda Anisimova, and Gauff against Madison Keys.
