Curtain up for the fourth and last Grand Slam of the year: From Monday, the tennis aces will once again be honored at the US Open in New York.
Curtain up for the fourth and last Grand Slam of the year: From Monday, the tennis aces will once again be honored at the US Open in New York.
Before the start of the hard court tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which ends on September 11th, the German Press Agency answers the most important questions.
Which stars are missing?
The names are prominent, the reasons for their absence varied. Roger Federer continues to work on his fitness after his knee surgery, and the tournament came too early for Alexander Zverev after his ankle injury from the semifinals at the French Open. Meanwhile, Angelique Kerber revealed her baby secret shortly before the start of the tournament and is taking a pregnancy break. And Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic will miss the US Open due to his refusal to vaccinate.
Why is Djokovic not allowed to enter the country?
Because he doesn’t want to give himself the spades. With a few exceptions, proof of corona vaccination is mandatory for entry into the USA, and there are no special regulations for top athletes. He wanted to avoid chaos like at the Australia Open earlier this year, when the 21-time Grand Slam tournament winner was expelled from the country after political intervention including a court dispute. Hence the withdrawal shortly before the draw on Thursday.
Who do you need to pay special attention to?
Serena Williams. After her recent announcement of resignation, what is considered by many to be the best tennis player in history wants to get the applause of her home audience one last time. Monday’s duel against Danka Kovinic, probably in the night session, could be her last appearance. It is unlikely that Williams will be able to triumph again in the place where she won her first of 23 Grand Slam titles in 1999. “But I’ll try,” promises the 40-year-old.
Who are the favourites?
Rafael Nadal is actually the top contender for the title in this field, but his recent comeback after the abdominal muscle injury from the Wimbledon semifinals failed. The Russian title defender Daniil Medvedev, the Spanish shooting star Carlos Alcaraz and the Greek all-rounder Stefanos Tsitsipas also think there are chances. Among the women, defending champion Emma Raducanu, world number one Iga Swiatek, local hero Coco Gauff and Simona Halep are highly valued.
And the German chances?
You look bad. Almost all of the seven German professionals who qualified directly for the main draw caught tough opponents at the start. Like Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria, who has to compete against Maria Sakkari, third in the world rankings. After the cancellation of Zverev and Kerber, Oscar Otte is best positioned as 41st in the world rankings. But the man from Cologne was plagued with knee problems recently. For women, for the first time since 2009, there is no German tennis player among the top 50 in the world rankings.
Why are Russians and Belarusians back?
The recent Grand Slam ban only applied to the Wimbledon tournament, the organizers of the US Open allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate despite the war of aggression in Ukraine. Therefore, unlike in London, world ranking points are awarded again.
How much is the prize money?
With a total of over 60 million US dollars, the organizers are paying out record prize money. The winner and the winner alone collect 2.6 million US dollars each.
Who broadcasts the tournament?
Unlike the lawn event in Wimbledon, there are live images for German fans on free-to-air TV again. Rights holder Eurosport promises: All top games, including semi-finals and finals, can be seen live on free TV.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
