The final Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season is underway in New York, presenting Alexander Zverev with a prime opportunity to capture a title in New York following his French Open triumph, according to reporting from the Fuldaer Zeitung.
Alexander Zverev Emerges as a Major Contender at Flushing Meadows
As the tennis world gathers at Flushing Meadows for the US Open, Germany’s top-ranked player enters the draw as one of the leading favorites. Zverev comes to New York seeking to build on his Roland Garros success and capture a title at the U.S. national championship, where he reached the final in 2020 before falling in a five-set battle against Austria’s Thiem.
Preparation hasn’t been entirely smooth for the German star. According to the Fuldaer Zeitung, Zverev exited early at the hard-court Masters events in both Montreal and Cincinnati, leaving him still searching for his peak surface rhythm.
Jannik Sinner Withdraws Due to Knee Injury
The tournament field will notably lack the world’s top-ranked player. Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner withdrew from the US Open due to ongoing discomfort in his right knee, forcing the star to miss the final major of the year.
“Obwohl ich hart mit meinem Team und dem medizinischen Stab gearbeitet habe, mussten wir eine schwierige Entscheidung treffen: Ich werde dieses Jahr nicht bei den US Open antreten können,” Sinner stated in remarks reported by the Fuldaer Zeitung regarding his difficult choice to withdraw.
Carlos Alcaraz Returns Without Recent Match Practice
While Sinner’s absence thins the top tier of competition, the tournament received a major boost with the return of Carlos Alcaraz. The Spanish star, currently holding the number two ranking just ahead of Zverev, has not played a competitive tour match since April 14.
Alcaraz announced his comeback directly to fans via social media, declaring simply, “Ich komme zurück. Here we go!” as cited by the Fuldaer Zeitung.
U.S. Hopefuls and Women’s Division Highlights
Attention in New York naturally turns toward the American contingent aiming to break a long-standing drought on home soil. Players such as Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz carry major home expectations, though an American man has not hoisted the singles trophy in Flushing Meadows since Andy Roddick claimed the title 23 years ago.
In the women’s draw, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka leads the favorites list after capturing the crown at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in each of the past two years. Main challengers include Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, local standout Jessica Pegula—who reached the final in 2024—and Coco Gauff, who triumphed in New York in 2023 and arrives fresh off a title run in Cincinnati.
Next Steps at the US Open
With preliminary exhibition events and prominent mixed-match showcases—which recently featured appearances by stars like Alcaraz and Serena Williams—concluding, attention shifts fully to the opening rounds of the main draw at Flushing Meadows. Fans can follow official tournament updates and daily schedules directly through the official US Open platform.
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