The 142nd edition of the US Open had to do without Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The former played his last official match at Wimbledon last year due to a knee injury, while the latter was unable to join New York due to United States entry rules.
The Belgrader hoped until the last moment to be able to enter the field at Flushing Meadows, but to enter the United States, foreign nationals must still present the vaccination certificate.
Djokovic, after winning Wimbledon, however, confirmed his choice regarding the vaccine. Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, is the only one of the Big 3 to have participated in the US Open.
The Mallorcan didn’t appear in his best physical condition, the abdominal injury certainly affected his preparation, and he lost in four sets to one of the best versions of Frances Tiafoe in the round of 16.
Mats Wilander: “Here is the change of generation”
The protagonists of the American Grand Slam final were Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, who were playing for the top spot in the world rankings and the first Major of their careers.
The US Open final was then won by Alcaraz in 4 sets: the young Spaniard is also the new world number 1. He is also the young player from the Open era to win the US Open and become world No. 1 in the same final, a very astonishing feat for this era of tennis.
Although Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have won the first three Grand Slams of the year 2022, Mats Wilander believes that tennis is experiencing a definitive generational change.
He explains: “We are definitely seeing a generational change. Obviously, in this case, it is also due to some external factors. Roger Federer is still injured.
Rafael Nadal didn’t have time to prepare optimally and be 100% in New York. Novak Djokovic couldn’t play because he wasn’t vaccinated. However, we have all understood that the men’s circuit has great wealth.
There are new faces fighting to achieve important goals. It’s something necessary for this sport.”
