In the world of tennis, where allegiances often run as deep as the forehand strokes, an unexpected wind of change is blowing across the courts of the U.S. Open. As the tennis stars gear up for another exhilarating clash at Flushing Meadows, an intriguing subplot has emerged, leaving fans and pundits alike in a state of curious fascination.

Instead of supporting the American players, 18-time grand slam winning legend Chris Evert is cheering for Novak Djokovic. This unexpected switch has caught the attention of fans and experts, making this year’s U.S. Open even more interesting. It’s not just about the tennis matches anymore, but also about who’s cheering for whom.

Chris Evert’s curious shift in allegiances

As the stage is set for the much-anticipated U.S. Open, American tennis icon Chris Evert has taken a surprising turn in her loyalties. Known for her passionate support of American players on the international tennis circuit, Evert has raised eyebrows by openly endorsing Serbian powerhouse Novak Djokovic for victory in this year’s tournament. Evert, who provides expert commentary on ESPN during the U.S. Open, is widely recognized for her commitment to American athletes. However, this year, she’s making an exception, putting her weight behind Djokovic’s pursuit of a historic 24th Grand Slam title.

“I wouldn’t pick an American on the men’s side. I’m rooting for Djokovic. He’s a champion and it will be a record as well,” Evert explained, as reported by WWD. Djokovic might win his 24th Grand Slam title, which would be a big achievement, tying with the player with the most Grand slams, Margaret Court. Evert’s change in who she’s cheering for has surprised many people. They’re wondering why she’s doing this instead of supporting American players. But who are the top contenders for the ATP US Open title?

Who are the contenders for U.S. Open glory?

As the U.S. Open kicks off, the spotlight shifts to the top contenders vying for the coveted men’s title. Here’s a look at the five players poised to battle it out on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows:

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Djokovic earlier this year to win his first Wimbledon. The victory carried him to the number one spot in the global rankings. He is also the defending Champion at the US Open this year.

Novak Djokovic, a seasoned veteran, aims to conquer the U.S. Open once again after a series of setbacks in recent years at Flushing Meadows. With off-court challenges behind him, the 23-time Grand Slam winner is poised to make a resounding statement on the court.

As the U.S. Open champion in ’21, Daniil Medvedev brings a strong track record to the court. Despite facing challenges in the build-up to the tournament, he remains a formidable competitor on hard courts.

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Fresh off his breakthrough performance at the Canadian Open, another hard court tournament, Jannik Sinner enters the U.S. Open with renewed confidence. Often poised as one of the “Next Gen Big 3,” Sinner seems pretty sought after and a strong contender at Flushing Meadows.

Ruud’s notable showing at the French Open, despite recent setbacks, has demonstrated his potential. He’s aiming to perform better in this tournament and is hoping for a more successful run.

Players like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Taylor Fritz are also to watch out for, as they exude raw potential despite the tough competition. As the U.S. Open unfolds, the dynamic mix of emerging talents and established giants promises an enthralling spectacle. Evert’s unexpected allegiance shift to Djokovic only adds to the intrigue surrounding this year’s tournament.

As we watch the players show their skills, remember that anything can happen in sports. Evert’s change of heart and the fierce competition among players promises an unforgettable U.S. open. Will Alcaraz successfully defend his title? Will Djokovic make it 24? Or will it be any of the other contenders?

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