US Open 2024: Experts Predict Title Winners
The US Open kicks off on Monday, and defending champions Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic are both in the draw. But with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek also in the mix, who will be lifting the trophies at Flushing Meadows? We asked our experts for their predictions.
Women's Singles
Bill Connelly: This year's women's draw is a bit of a strange one, with several top players either struggling with form or recovering from injury. While Swiatek might be considered the favourite, her recent comprehensive loss to Sabalenka in the Cincinnati semi-finals has me leaning towards the latter. Sabalenka dominated Swiatek, showing impressive control and consistency. She's on a roll, having dispatched four top-30 opponents without dropping a set. While her draw isn't a walk in the park, she could face a less demanding test until the quarter-finals if Madison Keys, her potential fourth-round opponent, is not fully recovered. With a favourable draw and her current form, Sabalenka seems well-placed to claim the title.
Tom Hamilton: I'm also backing Sabalenka. She's fuelled by a desire to bounce back from recent setbacks. She was hampered by illness during her quarter-final loss to Mirra Andreeva at Roland Garros, then forced to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury. She also missed the Paris Olympics. With those obstacles behind her, she will be eager to prove herself on the hardcourt, having already won the Australian Open earlier this year on the same surface.
D'Arcy Maine: While I agree Sabalenka is a strong contender, I'm going with Swiatek. Her bronze medal finish at the Olympics and her semi-final loss to Sabalenka in Cincinnati are likely to fuel her motivation. She'll be looking to redeem herself and add a sixth major title to her collection. Her path to the final might be challenging, but she possesses the focus and determination to overcome those hurdles. When Swiatek is in top form, she's almost unbeatable. Having won the title in 2022, she knows what it takes to win in New York.
Men's Singles
Connelly: I'm predicting Djokovic to claim another Grand Slam title. His draw is incredibly favourable, with Sinner, Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev all on the opposite side of the bracket. This is reminiscent of his Wimbledon run, where he reached the final despite a knee injury. With more time to recover and the recent Olympic gold medal win over Alcaraz, Djokovic is likely to be playing with confidence and freedom. This draw is as smooth as he could have hoped for, and with Sinner struggling and Alcaraz's recent hard-court performance, Djokovic might be the most in-form of the top players. Could this be Slam title No. 25?
Hamilton: Djokovic is in prime position to win his 25th Grand Slam title. His draw has been kind, and he's coming off a historic achievement, becoming the fifth player in singles to secure the Golden Slam after his win in Paris. This momentum will surely propel him forward. Alcaraz has shown signs of vulnerability recently, while Sinner has had distractions off the court. Djokovic has won the US Open four times before and is poised to add another trophy to his collection.
Maine: This prediction is more difficult than usual. Sinner's impressive run in Cincinnati, where he won the title, made him a strong contender for the US Open. However, recent revelations regarding his positive tests for a banned substance have cast a shadow over his mental state. If he can stay focused and replicate his Cincinnati performance, he has a strong chance. However, the uncertainty around the situation makes it difficult to be certain. Instead, I'm going with Alcaraz. He might be carrying a chip on his shoulder after the Olympics and his early hard-court season, making him even more dangerous. He thrives on the energy of the New York crowd and has demonstrated his ability to win major titles in best-of-five matches.
