US Open 2023
It is difficult to believe that we are already approaching the final grand slam of the year. The 2023 US Open runs from Monday the 28th of August, and culminates with the men’s final on Sunday the 10th of September (the ladies final is set for Saturday the 9th).
The leading players vying for their respective titles appear to have an advantage in both the men’s and women’s draws. However, tennis is anything from predictable. At Flushing Meadows, careers have been launched, and there is no reason why this year won’t be the same. Let’s have a look at the US Open 2023 more closely and what to possibly expect from the players.
Season Thus Far
Men
Two players have dominated the 2023 ‘slam’ season. Novak Djokovic and Carols Alcaraz. The current top 2 in the ATP rankings have been in a class of their own this year. Djokovic took home his 10th Australian Open title, as well as his 3rd French Open title. This has increased his overall grand slam tally to a record-extending 23 titles. Alcaraz, perceivably most comfortable on clay, slipped up in the French Open semi-final against Djokovic.
Entering Wimbledon, the young Spaniard had not had much success on the fast grass courts of the All-England Club. Nevertheless, Alcaraz proved his credentials by beating the favoured Serb in a thrilling 5 set final to take home his maiden Wimbledon crown. Coming off a recent good run of form, both Alcaraz and Djokovic will fancy their chances at the US Open. Fans are eager to find out whether Alcaraz can defend his 2022 title. A hungry Djokovic with a point to prove is a hard nut to crack.
Ladies
The 2023 ladies grand slam season has seen 3 different winners across the respective 3 tournaments. The current top 2 in the WTA rankings, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka shared the spoils of the first 2 slams of the year. Sabalenka winning her maiden Australian Open, and Swiatek successfully defended her title at Rolland Garros. Wimbledon proved to be a bridge too far for both Sabalenka and Swiatek. Eventual winner, Marketa Vondrousova got the better of 2022 runner-up Ons Jabeur in the final. While this is a breakthrough win for the 24-year-old from the Czech Republic, one does feel for Jabeur who for the second successive year failed at the final hurdle. The US Open suits players in the mould of Sabalenka and Swiatek. The final may very well be contested between these 2 talents of the ladies’ game.
The 2022 tournament
Carlos Alcaraz won his maiden grand slam at the 2022 US Open. After threatening for most of the year, the youngster from Spain was victorious in 4 sets against Casper Ruud in the final. High ranked players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafa Nadal both exited the 2022 tournament before the quarterfinal stage. This, paired with the absence of Novak Djokovic, opened the event up for a new champion to be crowned.
The good form shown by both Karen Khachanov and Frances Tiafoe took them all the way to the semi-finals. Here they were beaten by Ruud and Alcaraz respectively. For Ruud this was his 2nd grand slam final defeat. This disappointment paired with the loss to Nadal in the French Open final a few months earlier would not have done much for the Norwegian’s confidence. Alcaraz conversely managed to get the ‘slam’ monkey off his back. The way he has played in 2023 is a clear sign that he is playing without restraint and has not succumbed to the ever-present mental pressures that come from professional tennis.
Iga Swiatek won the 2023 US Open after defeating Ons Jabeur in the final. This was the Pole’s 3rd grand slam of her career, and the first one outside of the French Open. Jabeur went 2 from 2 in terms of successive slam final defeats after losing to Elena Rybakina in the Wimbledon decider. Elena Sabalenka and Caroline Garcia were the other 2 players who made it to the semi final stage in 2022. Winning away from her preferred clay courts will have boosted Swiatek’s confidence, and she could well prove a nuisance on the harder and faster surfaces in years to come.
US Open 2023 favourites
With most of the year behind us, tennis fans have a good idea of who should perform well at the US Open. In the men’s draw, a Djokovic/ Alcaraz final is a real possibility. After recently edging Alcaraz in an epic Cincinnati Masters 1000 final, Novak’s belief will be back. The all-time major champion wants to avenge his recent Wimbledon 2023 final loss. And we all know how things usually go when the Serb puts his mind to something… Alcaraz however does not suffer fools. He will know where he went wrong in Cincinnati and will look to emerge victorious once again against the older statesman (should they meet in the tournament).
The other contenders in the men’s draw all have the ability to produce outstanding tennis. Where they have fallen short when compared to the leaders in the world rankings, is their consistency. Jannik Sinner for example was unbelievable in victory at the recent Toronto Masters 1000 tournament. At the following Cincinnati event he lost in the second round… Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz will all do well to make the semi-finals. If anyone outside of the top 2 wants to walk away with the title, they will have to have the tournament of their careers.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are again the clear favourites. However, the ‘outsiders’ in the ladies’ draw arguably have a better chance of victory than their male counterparts. Coco Gauff won the recent Cincinnati Masters event, beating Swiatek in the semis. The talented teenager could be closer to her maiden slam title than expected. Others to take note of are Ons Jabeur, Elena Rybakina, Marketa Vondrousova and Karolina Muchova.
Closing out the Grand Slam season
Both the men’s and women’s draw appear to be stacked towards the top seeds competing for their respective titles. Tennis however is anything but predictable. Careers have been made here at Flushing Meadows, and there is no reason that this year cannot be the same. Here’s to hoping for an exciting final grand slam of 2023. Bring on the US Open 2023!
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Finally have a look at our tennis betting guide to kickstart your entertainment and help you understand tennis betting. We are excited to see who will win this year’s final Grand Slam Tennis Tournament!
