The final Grand Slam of the season is here and half the top ten players are not playing thanks to injury breaks. Most notable among them are Novak Djokovic, who finally decided to rest and nurse his elbow niggle, and Andy Murray, who has pulled out because of a hip injury that has kept him out of the game since Wimbledon. Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and a couple of others have also opted out of the US Open because of wear and tear.
While some might have been forced into this break, others seem to have been inspired by the remarkable comebacks of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both of whom came back from protracted injury breaks to win Grand Slams. This has made players like Djokovic realise that playing smart, and respecting one’s body is the way forward.
It is remarkable that Nadal is now top seed, considering how racked by injury he was a couple of seasons ago. Similarly, it’s incredible that Roger Federer has won two of the year’s three Grand Slams. He is No. 3, which means that the two are slated to play each other in the semi-finals. I don’t really put much by the draw, and both players will have to get that far before we can start talking about that game.
This US Open also offers some of the younger players their best chance yet to finally emerge from the shadow of their seniors. Alexander Zverev, Nicholas Kyrgios and Grigor Dimitrov all have had a good run-up to New York and should consider their chances for a shot at the final pretty seriously. The results at Canada and Cincinnati put Zverev and Kyrgios a little ahead of the rest, but each of these guys have a real chance of getting far. They are all very impressive on the hard court and have beaten the likes of Nadal recently.
I am a little concerned with the performance of Dominic Thiem, who started the year well but fell away after the clay court season. This echoes what happened to him last year and he needs to stem this tendency by learning to negotiate the grass-court season better.
Looking over at the women’s side, we have a clear-cut favourite in Garbine Muguruza. She has gained in confidence, strength, versatility and tournament play over the last one year and looks distinctly ahead of the competition at this point.
There is also Venus Williams, who was so wonderful at Wimbledon this year. Always one of the most articulate players on the circuit, it was sweet to hear that she would be playing both for herself and Serena, who is expecting a baby soon.
However, as the tournament begins, all eyes are on what could go down as the most watched first round match in recent times. Simona Halep will take on Maria Sharapova, who returns after her time away from the game. Both players would be very keen to get past this one. It’s being played at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday evening and will be keenly watched to see how the former champion is faring after her forced break from the game.
— Gameplan
