The US Open starts on Monday and the draw came out earlier today. Notably, there are some top 10 staples, such as Tomas Berdych and Roger Federer, who will not be present this year which already makes this tournament unique. Also, Rafa Nadal will be back in action after missing a couple Grand Slams. Here is the rest you need to know about today’s US Open men’s draw.
Novak Djokovic is Still the Favorite
Even though he has had a puzzling few months, with early losses at both Wimbledon and the Olympics, that were exacerbated by supposed personal troubles, he still remains the favorite. Over the last two years he has been one of the most consistent tennis players in history and I’d shocked if he didn’t bounce back at the US Open. He does however, have a rather daunting side of the draw, with a first round match-up with the former 14th ranked hard hitting Pole, Jerzy Janowicz, and possible match-ups with Gasquet (13), Tsonga (9) and Cilic (7).
The American’s got Screwed.
I want to know who thought it was a good idea to have the two brightest stars of American tennis, Francis Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, face off against fellow Americans John Isner (20) and Jack Sock (26) respectively in the first round. Either way, two exciting American’s are going to be knocked out in the first round of the US Open. 101 on how not to further the interest in American tennis.
Raonic Will Make The Semi’s Again
Sure, he has Rafa Nadal on his quarter of the draw but I wouldn’t be surprised if Nadal crashed out early, as he has in just about every other Grand Slam in the last year and a half. Also the other ranked opponents, Pouille (24), Bautista Agut (17) and Monfils (10) don’t exactly terrify me if I’m Raonic. I expect him to keep rolling on the fast hard courts at the US Open and meet Djokovic in the semi finals.
Youth is Now
The third quarter of thee draw is stacked with young talent. From Dominic Thiem (8), to Nick Kyrgios, to Alexander Zverev, you’d be dumb not to keep an eye out for everytime these players take to the court. Part of me however, if the old guard of Del Potro, Ferrer and Wawrinka showed theem that they’re not ready to cede power just yet. I think Del Potro and Thiem throw down in an epic 5-setter, where we see youth win out.
Andy Murray Will Win
That’s right, I said Novak Djokovic was the favorite. That doesn’t mean however, that I don’t think Andy Murray won’t win. Murray is on the run of a lifetime, making the final of each Grand Slam and winning both Wimbledon and Olympic gold. He does have a surprisingly tricky draw with the likes of Nishikori (6), Goffin (12) and Feliciano Lopez (16) all possible opponents but I’m confident of Murray’s ability to take down anyone not named Novak Djokovic. With no Federer, a battered Djokovic and a rusty Nadal, Murray seems primed to thrive in the New York heat.
