The stage is set for the U.S. Open, the players are primed, and the anticipation is high! Last year, it was Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff who prevailed in New York with their grit and resilience. And amidst the hype and expectation of this season, a lingering question hangs in the air once again: Who will take the throne this time? Among many, legends like Patrick McEnroe, brother of John McEnroe, are on the edge of their seats, bracing for the last Grand Slam tournament of the year to begin!

The wave of uncertainty around the U.S. Open is inevitable, and fans are siding with their favorite players as the tournament approaches. But for former American tennis player Patrick McEnroe, this seems to be a difficult choice. On August 19th, the former captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team wrote on X, “Someone asked me today who is my favorite for the open …..I couldn’t give them an answer.” While the competitors are many, some players are emerging as the lead contenders!

In 2023, on the men’s side, one name reverberated throughout the Grand Slams: Novak Djokovic! The Serbinator started the season with a massive Australian Open win, followed by a French Open victory, making a U.S. Open title seem likely. However, this season, the 37-year-old player was unable to defend last year’s titles, leaving a trail of disappointment among fans. A Wimbledon final appearance did raise expectations, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion fell short against Carlos Alcaraz Nevertheless, a gold medal win at the 2024 Olympics might be just what he needs to reassert his strength in tennis. 

But the 21-year-old Spanish phenom, Alcaraz, might also be eager to dethrone Djokovic and replicate his 2022 U.S. Open feat! With consecutive Grand Slam victories at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Alcaraz’s unstoppable rise is undeniable. However, his unfortunate defeat in the Olympic finals and an early exit from the Cincinnati Masters have certainly left him in agony. Will he be able to regain his form at the U.S. Open?

While unpredictability rises in the men’s category, a similar trend is noticed on the women’s side too! The reigning U.S. Open champion, Coco Gauff, has shown inconsistency on the court in 2024, causing fans to worry about her upcoming tournaments. With consecutive early-round defeats since Wimbledon, the 20-year-old player has struggled to showcase her usual brilliance on the tennis courts.

As we wait for an impressive comeback from the American player, the U.S. Open seems to be the perfect event for her to snap back into form! However, other contenders like Jessica Pegula, who defended her title in Canada, Paula Badosa, who won the Citi Open, and Iga Swiatek, (who has won five titles in 2024 so far), are also in the mix! While all these players are having a warm-up in Cincinnati before the next tournament, Novak Djokovic is keeping his sights set on the last major tournament of the year.

Novak Djokovic shares a glimpse of his practice sessions before the U.S. Open

Following a prolonged celebration after his first-ever Olympic gold medal victory, there were speculations about Djokovic’s participation in upcoming tournaments. His withdrawal from both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters fueled uncertainties about his extended break, worrying his fans. But a couple of days ago, an Instagram post erased all doubts! While promoting his ‘ASICS’ brand, Djokovic also shared a glimpse of his practice session on the court!

Wearing a blue kit for the U.S. Open, Djokovic introduced a new version of his tennis gear for the Grand Slam event. As fans rushed to share their love for him in the comments, one thing became certain: The former World No. 1, who has won four titles in New York, is back to claim his fifth before the season ends! The 2024 U.S. Open promises to be a groundbreaking tournament, marking a pivotal moment in tennis history. As Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, and a talented cast of contenders clash on the courts of New York City, the tennis world eagerly anticipates the emergence of a new champion.