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Here are the top 5 men and women to watch at this year’s U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows:
Men to watch
1. Novak Djokovic
The GOAT is eyeing a 25th Grand Slam to break a tie with Margaret Court for the all-time mark. Olympic gold in Paris shows he could win his first major since last year’s Open.
2. Jannik Sinner
The World No. 1 failed two drug tests but escaped suspension when an investigation bought his alibi that the substance accidentally got into his system. Will foes be as understanding?
3. Carlos Alcaraz
The Spaniard’s rivalry with Djokovic is the best in men’s tennis right now. The 2022 Open champ has won the past two majors — Wimbledon and the French Open — and is eyeing a third.
4. Daniil Medvedev
The Russian won his only major here at Flushing in 2021 and defended his way to last year’s Final. But he blew a two-set lead to Sinner in January’s Australian Open final.
5. Ben Shelton
The hard-serving Floridian might be the best chance for the U.S. men. He faced Djokovic in last year’s semis before being mocked by the Serb’s postmatch celebration.
Women to watch
1. Coco Gauff
Last year she became the first American teen to win the U.S. Open since Serena Williams in 1999. But she has had an up-and-down season and seemingly has friction with coach Brad Gilbert.
2. Iga Swiatek
Won in Flushing two years ago but still isn’t as dominant on hard court as she is on clay, having taken four of the past five French Opens.
3. Naomi Osaka
Raised on Long Island, Osaka won the 2018 and ’20 U.S. Opens but is still feeling her way back from maternity leave. After not getting past the second round in the first three majors this year, can she regain her old fire?
4. Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka reached last year’s final in Flushing, so she will be looking to close the deal this time. She likes hard courts and is coming off a Cincinnati win, so it’s possible.
5. Jasmine Paolini
Paolini had never gotten past the second round of a major before her breakout, reaching the fourth round in Australia and the finals in the French and Wimbledon.
