The Big Question: How Low Can He Go?
Carlos Alcaraz is back at Flushing Meadows to defend his US Open title, but the tennis world is watching with cautious eyes. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has not played a singles match since injuring his wrist at the Barcelona Open in mid-April, making the New York hard courts his first competitive singles stage in roughly four months.
Patrick Mouratoglou, the celebrated coach long associated with Serena Williams, articulated the concern neatly on social media. He acknowledged that Alcaraz's peak level will always be extraordinary, but stressed that what matters now is the floor, not the ceiling. How low does his level drop during a match, and how long does it stay there? If Alcaraz checks out for extended stretches and looks volatile throughout a five-set contest, Mouratoglou says that is when fans should genuinely worry.
Alcaraz eased back into action by partnering Serena Williams in the revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open, completing two abbreviated matches without apparent setback. His own words reflected unmistakable joy at being back, saying he missed the crowd, the ball kids, and the whole atmosphere of the place.
Zverev Positioned as the Man to Beat
With world number one Jannik Sinner sidelined by a knee injury, Alexander Zverev inherits top-seed status. Veteran coach Rick Macci, who helped shape the early careers of Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick, declared that Zverev should be considered the favourite. Macci pointed out bluntly that five months away from competitive tennis creates rust that cannot be shaken off overnight, calling Alcaraz simply making it through his opening match against Roman Safiullin a meaningful victory in itself.
Safiullin is no easy opener either, having pushed Novak Djokovic to four sets at Wimbledon this year and previously defeating Alcaraz at the 2023 Paris Masters.
TennisDraw users have Alcaraz and Zverev splitting bracket predictions almost evenly heading into the draw.
