NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner made last year’s U.S. Open feel like two weeks of killing time until the inevitable.They had separated themselves from everyone else in men’s tennis while meeting in the French Open and Wimbledon finals. It seemed a foregone conclusion they would make it three in a row, which is exactly what happened.With the No. 1-ranked Sinner sidelined, Alcaraz only returning now to defend his title after missing four months and Novak Djokovic perhaps finally showing his age, the U.S. Open once again feels, well, open.Just don’t confuse that with meaning easier.“It’s the same conversation,” American player Frances Tiafoe said. “Still got to beat seven guys however way you slice it.”
Sabalenka’s summer swoon threatens her place at the topThe women’s side has its own questions, with two-time defending U.S. Open champion Aryna Sabalenka losing in the fourth round at Wimbledon and both hard-court tournaments she played since, putting her hold on the No. 1 ranking in jeopardy.The top spot in the rankings could be in reach for multiple women and so is the trophy at the final major tournament of the year, with No. 3 Jessica Pegula saying “there’s not one or two super dominant players where you feel like they have to lose in order for you to have a chance.”
