By As the 2024 US Open approaches, all eyes are on British stars Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper, who aim to make significant impacts at Flushing Meadows. Raducanu is eager to replicate her stunning 2021 victory, while Draper looks to step into the spotlight left by Andy Murray. Meanwhile, the tournament’s other major storyline is whether the USA can finally break its 19-year drought for a men’s singles champion. Catch all the action live on Sky Sports from August 26.
US Open’s Big Questions
The US Open’s men’s singles competition is expected to be fiercely contested by the likes of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner, who have dominated recent Grand Slam finals. However, there’s hope that an American player could surprise everyone this year. The last American to win the men’s title was Andy Roddick in 2003. With five American players currently in the top 20, including Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe, who all reached the quarter-finals last year, the stage is set for a potential homegrown champion.
The American Drought
It has been 21 years since an American male won the US Open, far from the dominance seen in the era of Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi. The 2024 tournament, however, offers a chance for redemption, especially with three American men making it to the quarter-finals last year. Could this be the year an American player finally claims victory on home soil?
Women’s Singles: A Wide-Open Field
The women’s singles at the US Open has been notoriously unpredictable in recent years, with eight different winners in the last nine tournaments. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and hard-court specialist Aryna Sabalenka are among the favorites, but the US Open has a history of surprise champions. Naomi Osaka, the only player to win the tournament twice since 2015, leads a field where anything can happen.
Raducanu’s Pursuit of a Second Title
Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory was one of the most remarkable runs in tennis history, and she enters this year’s tournament with renewed confidence. After a solid fourth-round showing at Wimbledon, Raducanu is focused and ready to make another deep run. She faces a tough first-round match against former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin, but with recent wins over top players, Raducanu is optimistic about her chances.
Draper’s Rise and Murray’s Legacy
With Andy Murray absent from a Grand Slam for the first time in 19 years, Jack Draper has the opportunity to take up the mantle of British men’s tennis. Draper won his first ATP Tour title earlier this year and has shown strong form on both grass and hard courts. His recent success in Cincinnati, where he reached the quarter-finals, has raised expectations for a deep run at the US Open.
Expanded Use of Video Replay
The 2024 US Open will see an expanded use of video replay technology, now available on eight courts, following a controversial match point in Cincinnati involving Jack Draper. This technological advancement is expected to reduce contentious decisions and improve the overall fairness of the matches.
