The final Grand Slam tournament of the year is almost upon us and New York awaits with baited breath to see if Novak Djokovic will be able to play. Meanwhile, British thoughts turn to the miracle that happened in the Big Apple just one year ago. Somehow, and this still feels like a dream, 18-year-old Emma Raducanu became the first qualifier to win the US Open as she embarked on an epic run that ended in the ultimate glory.
She’s found it tough since that moment, but perhaps a return to New York can inspire the young Brit once again as she looks to do the unthinkable and defend her crown. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2022 US Open.
When is it?
The tournament will begin on Monday 29th August and end on Sunday 11th September 2022.
Which male players are playing?
Number one seed and defending champion Daniil Medvedev is back in action after he was banned from Wimbledon and he is 5/2 to defend his crown with Betfred. Alexander Zverev is sure to pose a tough challenge as is the experienced Rafael Nadal, who has won four times here over his illustrious career.
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Compatriot Carlos Alcaraz could go well, Casper Ruud is back on a stronger surface than grass and Stefanos Tsitsipas will have to do better than his third round exits he has suffered last on his last two visits. If you fancy another British shock, how about world number 11 Cameron Norrie who reached the final four at Wimbledon this year before losing to Novak Djokovic? The men’s draw is absolutely stacked this time around, which should make for some top quality match-ups.
Which female players are playing?
Raducanu is back for another stab at glory, but she’ll be an outsider once more, currently priced at 25/1 before a ball is hit. French Open champion and world number one Iga Swiatek is hoping for her first success in the States and is currently the favourite, while two-time champion Naomi Osaka could return with a bang on her favourite surface.
Ons Jabbeur wowed Wimbledon as she cruised to the final and would be a popular winner here, while the resurgent Jessica Pegula and teenage sensation Coco Gauff carry the hopes of the host nation. Experience counts in these tournaments and Simona Halep will be hoping to find some form here after a shocking run of results since 2017.
Absentees?
Elephant in the room, Novak Djokovic. Still unvaccinated, he was allowed to play at Wimbledon where he won (again), but as things stand, he will not be playing at the US Open. The rules regarding unvaccinated people have been relaxed in the United States, but that only applies to US citizens at this moment in time. The Serbian is aware the US is considering changing the rules for visitors, but with two weeks to go, time is not on his side.
Defending champions?
Men’s singles - Daniil Medvedev
Women’s singles - Emma Raducanu
Men’s doubles - Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury
Women’s doubles - Samantha Stosur and Zhang Shuai
Wheelchair men’s singles - Shingo Kunieda
Wheelchair women’s singles - Diede de Groot
Wheelchair quad singles - Dylan Alcott
Wheelchair men’s doubles - Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid
Wheelchair women’s doubles - Diede de Groot and Aniek van Koot
Wheelchair quad doubles - Sam Schroder and Niels Vink
Who are the favourites?
Novak Djokovic (6/4) and Iga Swiatek (11/4)
The Sportsman’s top tips
There appears to be value in the outrageously talented Naomi Osaka. The Japanese star has won the US Open twice before in 2018 and 2020 as well as winning in Australia twice (2019 and 2021). Hard courts are her speciality and it wasn’t that long ago that she was looking unbeatable on this surface. She’s had issues with her mental health but this could be the tournament in which she returns with a bang on court. She has more than enough ability to do so and 9/1 looks worth taking on.
If the rules change and Djokovic plays he is the one to back, so it's worth holding off on the men’s side until we receive confirmation. If he doesn’t play, Medvedev would be the pick of the bunch to retain his title.
Top pick: Naomi Osaka to win US Open (9/1)
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