Novak Djokovic, who would be the favorite, is probably out. World No. 2 Alexander Zverev is definitely out. Rafael Nadal has played only one match since Wimbledon. Daniil Medvedev has won just one tournament the entire year. Yes, the U.S. Open is wide open.
At some majors in the Big 3 era, literally a grand total of three guys–Nadal, Djokovic, and Roger Federer, of course–had any hope to win. For the upcoming 2022 U.S. Open, however, a whole host of players can say they have realistic title aspirations.
Here is my list of players who have a non-zero chance to triumph in New York.
Great chance
Daniil Medvedev – The world No. 1 is the defending champion and is well rested. According to the odds, Medvedev is a huge favorite.
Rafael Nadal – When you’re the only one of the Big 3 in the field, you are always among the top favorites.
Best of the rest
Carlos Alcaraz – Alcaraz made a run to the quarterfinals last summer and he is a much different player now. The Spaniard was awesome on American hard courts this spring.
Stefanos Tsitsipas – Tsitsipas is a major finalist and after playing well in Cincinnati it would not be a surprise to see him take the next step.
Very realistic chance
Felix Auger-Aliassime – Talent-wise, Auger-Aliassime is among the game’s elite. When will he string together seven good matches in a row? Why not now?
Hubert Hurkacz – Hurkacz was the 2021 Miami champion and the recent Montreal runner-up. Now it’s time for him to step up at a slam.
Taylor Fritz – Fritz has been one of the tour’s best players this season. He loves playing at home in the USA and he loves big stages. There is nothing not to like.
Jannik Sinner – Sinner is an amazing 38-11 this year. If not for some injuries, he would be in the top 10. The Italian is more than capable of powering his way to the title.
Nick Kyrgios – With a runner-up showing at Wimbledon, a title in Washington, D.C., and a quarterfinal run in Montreal, Kyrgios has never played better. When he is healthy and motivated, watch out.
Small chance…but a chance
Andrey Rublev – In 2020 and 2021, Rublev was right there in the group behind Nadal and Djokovic. He has fallen off a bit, but his forehand alone keeps him in the discussion.
Casper Ruud – Ruud has debunked the myth that he is a clay-court specialist. Although a hard-court slam title is unlikely, it’s possible.
Cameron Norrie – The lefty has proven that his 2021 Indian Wells triumph was no fluke. He is a legitimate top-10 player.
Matteo Berrettini – If not for his sudden Covid-19 case and subsequent absence, Berrettini would be near the top. If he can get a few matches under his belt, the real Berrettini could be on display in week two.
Pablo Carreno Busta – You may not remember, but Carreno Busta is a two-time U.S. Open semifinalist. He also just won the Montreal Masters. This guy is the real deal on hard courts.
Marin Cilic – Although 2014 was a while ago, you can’t take away the fact that Cilic is a U.S. Open champion. When he catches fire (albeit rarely now), he can still produce one of the tour’s best levels.
Borna Coric – Coric completely dominated in Cincinnati, losing only one set (to Nadal) en route to the title. Ranked No. 152 at the time, he will be seeded in New York.
Stranger things have happened
John Isner – On any given day, Isner can still take the racket out of anyone’s hands.
Tommy Paul – Paul has played several matches this season at a top-5 level and he is always at his best on American hard courts.
Grigor Dimitrov – The Grand Slam window has probably closed for Dimitrov, but a miracle late-career run to a title isn’t entirely out of the question.
Denis Shapovalov – Similar to Dimitrov, Shapovalov’s natural talent level is such that he could win from out of nowhere.
Alex de Minaur – De Minaur would need a great draw because he doesn’t have the firepower to beat top players. In a depleted field, a great draw is possible.
Karen Khachanov – This is a guy who has a Masters 1000 title and an Olympic silver medal. He can’t be completely counted out on the big stage.
Novak has withdrawn
https://mobile.twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1562806952136085504
Finally! At least he has done the right thing.
He waited long enough. Now maybe we can just get on with the draw.
Amen to that! Am really really hoping Rafa finally gets a decent draw..
Yes! Fingers crossed!
đ¤
More than the draw ,worry is abt his wife’s health n how it would distract him..however she is admitted since Monday n he was all smiling yest in relief for Ukraine.. so maybe nothing serious
I think the press may very well.be making this seem way more serious than it actually is.
Rafa wouldn’t be laughing away with Iga if there were real problems. I also agree with nny that Rafa would have gone home if there really was something very wrong..
amy, that’s how I see it.
If it was anything serious then I think Rafa would have gone back.
I would have loved rafa to win it with Novak in draw .. however good thing is usually I’m stressed about 2 outcomes – rafas n novaks..waiting one to win n other not to win .positive is ill have one outcome less to worry about..
Lets admit it…both sides don’t want the other to win a slam as they both finally fighting for the GOAT n leader tally now
Amy ..so bg was right..he said his team tried everything which means he was in touch with usta n aware of inside developments
Yes! Never doubt BG!đđđđ
He is a Rafa fan afterall..!
Where does BG get his information?
What’s going on with the draw?!
All I know is Rafa has Foggy in the second round. Yuk!
I am trying to follow the draw right now. It looks like Kyrgios is in Medâs half ofvthe draw.
Alcaraz has Coric r3. Liking Coric to win there…
Hey folks!!! Hope everyone is doing fine!!
I just heard the news about Xisca! Hope is not anything too serious but still Rafa would be distracted. But then again, Lifeâs like that sometimes! If he decides to continue playing Iâm sure heâll do his best to do what Rafa always does!!
I arrive in NY on Thursday so given that the draw is not yet out not sure what the schedule will be like. I assume Rafa will start playing on the Tuesday but that depends on what side of the draw heâs on! A lot has changed since I went in 2008, so have no idea what to expect, lol! Iâm going on my own so that should be fun đ¤Ł! I will no doubt keep u guys updated!!!
Anyway, Sending +ve vibes to Xisca and hope all goes well for her and baby!!!
#Vamos!!
Ok so the draw is out? Canât believe Rafa has foggy but then again, if not him could be someone far worse!!
I am not feeling the Coric vibe!!! He may not even go deep!! I am not worried about him, he didnât impress me much in his match with Rafa! I have no doubt Rafa will handle him good if they meet!!!
Nadline, thanks for ure well wishes on my travels đ!! Iâll try to enjoy for us all Rafa fans!!! đ
Hope you have a great time Mona!!đ Give our love to Rafa!
Thank you, Amy!! đ Wish we could go as a group but maybe one day! đ
Iâm hoping Rafa makes it worth my while, lol!!! Those tickets r expensive!!!!! But this is one of those bucket list once in a lifetime things soâŚ..
No need to worry about Fognini. He’s never beaten an all singing all dancing Rafa. Their h2h is 13:3 to Rafa and Rafa straight setted him in Australia last year.
This is the draw. R4 can be tiafoe too .
R4 is the big danger actually
https://mobile.twitter.com/Zwxsh/status/1562835824625954818
By the forth round Rafa should have had enough match play to get through.
Better one with more alternates
https://mobile.twitter.com/gigicat7_/status/1562843651373690883
https://mobile.twitter.com/usopen/status/1562832766756360194/photo/1
Rafas entire quarter
Tiafoe isn’t a big danger! I never like seeing Diego in the draw but he may not even get there. Has he beaten anyone of note recently?
This is the way I see it. Tiafoe is not a danger to Rafa. With three matches under his belt Rafa should be fine.
Diego has not been in great form. As always, they have to get there.
Alcaraz has got Sinner as well who has beaten him back to back. Not good for him.
Could see all 3 of Med, Alcaraz and Tsitsi going out early.
Med could lose 4r to Nk. Alcaraz could lose to either Coricr3 or Sinner r4.
Tsitsi could lose to Berretini r4.
None of these would be big surprise.
I doubt nick will even get to med. Let him get past kokinakkis first..
Alcaraz seems likely casualty his draw is real bad..he starts itself with baez..then coroc,sinner .it will be too much..
Med can have tough time with faa if his game is on
Well if Alcaraz wants to be the bees business he has to be able to nagvigate these types of draws just like all those before him đ. Ask Rafa!!
The bees business! LOL!
Yeah, get used to it Carlito!
Tsitsipas did gert to the final in Cinci but then gave up easily .Not sure what to make of that , Berrettini could beat him.
No faith in Med either- he gets too easily too distracted -eg by fireworks in his last match. Cant see him defending his title .
Kyrgios is not one to bet on though.Id pick Med over him this time.
The strongest players are probably Sinner, Fritz, Hurkacz ,Coric and Nadal
Dark horses the two Bustas and Isner,Norrie , Evans.
But its really wide open we might even have a ‘surprise’ winner
Tsitsipas was dreadful in the second set of the Cincy final. He didnât even make an effort to compete. I donât see him being a threat at the USO.