The latest US Open draw has set the stage for several high‑stakes encounters, most notably a potential showdown between rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz and Serbian legend Novak Djokovic. While those two are charting a possible semi‑final clash, British qualifier Arthur Fery has been handed a daunting first‑round test against Italy's 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti, a former quarter‑finalist who is returning from injury. Alcaraz, the defending champion, will kick off his campaign against Ukraine's Roman Safiullin.
The Spaniard, who is making his first appearance at Flushing Meadows since a right‑wrist injury sidelined him in April, will need to prove that his recovery is complete. Safiullin is known for his powerful baseline game and can generate heavy pace, meaning Alcaraz could face a stern early test before the tournament truly gets under way. If he navigates that hurdle, the draw suggests a possible semi‑final meeting with Novak Djokovic, who is on a quest for a record‑tying 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic's opening match pits him against Argentina's world No. 48 Mariano Navone. The Argentine, though lower‑ranked, has shown flashes of brilliance on hard courts and will be eager to upset the Serbian titan.
Should Djokovic prevail, his second‑round opponent will be either Italy's Matteo Berrettini or Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka. Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, brings a booming serve and a heavy forehand, while Wawrinka, playing his final Grand Slam before retirement, offers a wealth of experience and a one‑handed backhand that can still produce winners on any surface. The draw also lists potential later‑round opponents for both Alcaraz and Djokovic, including players such as Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedin, and Frances Tiafoe, underscoring the depth of talent in this year's field. Turning back to the British contingent, Arthur Fery missed out on a seeding and now faces Musetti, who made the quarter‑finals last year and is looking to rebuild after a layoff that kept him out of the Rome tournament and limited his preparation in Canada.
Former British player Naomi Broady commented on Sky Sports, noting that while Musetti may be rusty, Fery's form this season makes him a dangerous opponent. "It is difficult, but you feel with the way Fery has been playing this year, you just don't know what he's capable of," Broady said, highlighting the unpredictability of the matchup. Broady also weighed in on Alcaraz's first‑round challenge, pointing out that Safiullin's ability to hit the ball hard could test the Spanish star's healing wrist.
"The big test for Alcaraz coming back is that it's a best‑of‑five sets which is going to be a big test on the wrist and Safiullin hits the ball massive. How's the wrist going to hold up?
That's the question mark around Carlos," she observed. Other notable British players include world No.
33 Cameron Norrie, who will meet 22‑year‑old Luca Van Assche, a Frenchman born in Belgium, in the first round. Norrie, fresh from a semi‑final appearance in Los Cabos and a solid fourth‑round run in Montreal, will aim to leverage his heavy topspin and fitness against the young Van Assche. Jan Choinski, Britain's No.
3, will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, ranked 71st, in a contest that could provide a breakthrough for the British side. With world No. 1 Jannik Sinner sidelined by injury, the top seed for the men’s draw is Alexander Zverev, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist.
Zverev opens against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, a player known for his aggressive baseline play and solid serve. Zverev's powerful groundstrokes and improved second serve make him a favorite, but Sonego's ability to dictate points could produce an upset.
On the women's side, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 1, seeks a third consecutive US Open crown. She opens against Colombia's Camila Osorio, a rising talent who has already shown she can challenge top players. Sabalenka has endured a rocky hard‑court swing this season, and a potential quarter‑final clash with Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova looms on the horizon.
American sensation Coco Gauff, seeded fourth, arrives after a triumphant run in Cincinnati. She will meet Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez in round one. Gauff, known for her explosive forehand and composure under pressure, is positioned in the bottom half of the draw, where a quarter‑final meeting with former US Open champion Amanda Anisimova could be on the cards.
Katie Boulter starts her US Open journey against American wildcard Carol Lee, ranked 143. A win would set up a possible second‑round encounter with Karolina Muchova, a Wimbledon finalist and US Open mixed‑doubles champion, adding another layer of intrigue for the British fans. Beyond the main draw, six other British players—Fran Jones, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, Jacob Fearnley, Toby Samuel, and Harry Wendelken—are battling through qualifying for a spot in the tournament, underscoring the depth of British tennis talent. The draw also revealed a what‑could‑have‑been scenario involving Serena Williams.
When her sister Venus received a wildcard at age 46, the USTA initially reserved a spot for Serena should she decide to return to singles competition. Ultimately, Serena opted to play only doubles, and the final wildcard was awarded to American Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion.
In the first round, Venus will face Kenin, while Jessica Pegula opens against Elena‑Gabriela Ruse, a potential second‑round opponent. Other marquee matches include Cincinnati champion Arthur Fils taking on two‑time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, and veteran Stan Wawrinka—playing his last Grand Slam—facing Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon runner‑up. Broady remarked on the Berrettini‑Wawrinka clash, noting that Berrettini's massive serve could give him a slight edge, but the experience of the Swiss veteran makes the encounter compelling. The US Open coverage will be live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, allowing fans to watch without a contract.
In addition to the tennis action, the Laver Cup will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast live on Sky Sports. This comprehensive slate of matches and events promises a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 tennis season.