US Open Opportunity Looms Large for American Men?s Tennis Stars as the Curse of Rafael Nadal?s Absence Looks Likely to Become a Blessing in Disguise

Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal broke millions of tennis fans’ hearts when he announced his withdrawal from this year’s French Open and the remaining part of the season. Nadal was sidelined due to a debilitating hip injury after a shock 2nd round loss against American Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open earlier this year, which marked his last competitive appearance on the ATP tour. He underwent surgery in early June and is expected to remain out of action for at least 5 months.

This also means that the Spaniard is set to miss this year’s US Open, which is scheduled to begin on the 28th of August. Nadal’s absence, however, might actually work in favor of American ATP stars as we head toward the final slam of the year in New York.

Five American ATP stars may receive seedings as Rafael Nadal set to miss US Open 2023

As Rafael Nadal spends time away from the tennis court, his ATP rankings continue to take a hit. Currently ranked 140 in the world, 23-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal has to climb his way up the ladder once he returns to action on the tennis court. But the absence of the 4-time US Open champion may serve as a boon in disguise for American tennis, as reported by the Daily Express. As many as 5 ATP stars from America might get seedings at the upcoming major in their home country.

Among the top 32 men’s tennis players at the moment as per the ATP rankings, 5 hail from the United States. Taylor Fritz is the top-ranked American presently, with him occupying the 9th spot. Frances Tiafoe, who has already bagged 2 titles this season, makes the top 10 of the rankings as well. Youngsters Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda occupy the 14th and 28th spots on the ATP rankings respectively. Completing the American representation in the top 32 is 27-year-old Christopher Eubanks, who jumped 11 spots to become world number 31, thanks to his inspiring run at the recently concluded Wimbledon.

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All these 5 players have the opportunity to be seeded at the upcoming US Open if they manage to maintain their rankings inside the top 32. But what does their current form on the court say about their chances at the last slam of the year?

What does the present run of form of these American ATP stars look like?

As far as recent grand slam performances are concerned, ATP stars from America do not have much to show. Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda – all were ousted from the 2nd round of SW19, in what turned out to be a disappointing Wimbledon campaign for the USA as far as men’s singles is concerned. However, the only silver lining was 27-year-old Christopher Eubanks, who reached the quarterfinals in a breakthrough performance at the All England Club.

The American contingent will get the advantage of the home crowd at the final slam of the season as they look to bounce back from their Wimbledon woes. Rafael Nadal not turning up in New York might be a huge loss for the tournament, but the American crowd certainly won’t mind!

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