US Open Preview: Alcaraz Defends, Sinner Sits Out, Sabalenka Holds No. 1
· Sports · ESPN, CBS Sports
Carlos Alcaraz returns to Flushing Meadows as defending champion when the US Open begins Sunday, aiming to become the first repeat men's winner since Roger Federer's five-peat run ended in 2008. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz's biggest rival, is out of the men's draw, leaving the title path open for the Spaniard. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka enters with the No. 1 ranking on the line, with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff looming as direct challengers. Alcaraz and Sabalenka split the 2024 hard-court Slams, and both arrive with deep summer form. The fortnight's biggest subplot is whether the field can capitalise on Sinner's absence in the men's bracket.
Why it matters
Alcaraz's bid to defend shapes the men's season finale, and the women's No. 1 ranking could change hands based on results in New York, directly affecting year-end WTA standings and seedings for the Asian swing.
Read the original report — ESPN
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