Tennis: Zverev? Sinner? Djokovic? Questions before the US open spectacle

The first winners of the US Open have already been determined – the Italians Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are the champions of the newly structured mixed competition. The last of the four Grand Slam tournaments of the tennis season starts with the start of the individual competition. These start for the first time on Sunday instead of Monday. The most important thing in front of the New York tennis spectacle:

What are tennis fans looking for?

On a possible third Grand Slam final of the two dominant superstars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in series. As number one and two in the world, they are the big favorites for the title among men. However, behind the fitness of Sinner – as with Alexander Zverev – there is a big question mark.

In the final of Cincinnati on Monday, the Italian gave up completely exhausted against Alcaraz – when it comes to 0: 5. Are the last year’s winner of New York a few days to recover? The seven past Grand Slam titles divided Sinner and his Spanish rival Alcaraz among themselves.

The epic endgame of the French Open from the beginning of June is unforgettable, in which Alcaraz triumphed after five and a half hours. In July, Sinner made it less exciting in the Wimbledon final. And this time?

Who are the favorites?

The favorite question for women is more open. The Polish Wimbledon winner Iga Swiatek presented herself in a strong form with the title win in Cincinnati. The Belarusian world rankings of Aryna Sabalenka likes the fast hard court, but is waiting for her first Grand Slam title after two final defeats in Melbourne and Paris this year. American fans can hope for French Open winner Coco Gauff or Australian Open winner Madison Keys.

How do Zverev’s chances are on the first Grand Slam triumph?

The chances seem low. It was five years ago that Zverev in New York was close to the Great Grand Slam triumph, but still failed in the final against the Austrian Dominic Thiem. This time, a new final in the final would be more surprising than an early retirement. In Wimbledon, the Hamburger experienced a first round debacle, then revealed mental problems. Now – as with Sinner – the question of strength arises.

His body went on strike in the semi -finals of Cincinnati, he could hardly move. However, the 28-year-old did not do without the mixed competition in New York, but was eliminated with the Swiss Belinda Bencic in round one.

What are the other German prospects?

Grim. Apart from the world ranking third Zverev – at least in the individual – from a German fuselage contingent, no German participant awakens great hope to play in the big spotlight. However, Laura Siegemund recently surprised in Wimbledon with reaching the quarter -finals, in Australia Eva Lys unexpectedly stood in the round of the best 16.

Can Novak Djokovic create the Grand Slam record?

In New York, Novak Djokovic in 2023 was the oldest US Open winner in the professional era when the 36-year-old at that time. The Serbian top star celebrated Grand Slam title number 24-his last one so far. The hunting for the 25th Triumph continues to drive the 38-year-old to climb the sole record title holder in front of the Australian Margaret Court (24). The doubts that he can do this again is getting bigger.

He now attacks again without a preparation tournament. Since his semi -final in Wimbledon – impaired by a thigh injury – he has not contested a match.

How high is the prize money?

As high as ever – and higher than with any other tennis tournament. The tennis professionals can earn a total of $ 90 million (77.3 million euros) this year. Again a record price. The sum was raised by 20 percent. Anyone who triumphs on the women on September 6th and on September 7 will receive $ five million (4.3 million euros). A year ago it was 3.6 million dollars. There is already $ 110,000 prize money (around 94,500 euros) for the first single round.

Where can German fans watch the tournament?

The US Open cannot be seen for free. The internet broadcaster SporteuropetV, previously Sportdeutschland.tv, has had the transfer rights since 2023. The passport for the entire tournament costs 20 euros for the broadcaster. Boris Becker works as an expert there. Sky also shows the last Grand Slam tournament of the year-and has acquired a sublicent.