Particle.news

Download on the App Store

US Open Draw Pits Alcaraz Against Opelka as No. 1 Stakes Come Into Focus

Alcaraz controls the No. 1 race with a title thanks to Sinner’s placement in the other half.

Overview

  • Carlos Alcaraz opens against big-serving American Reilly Opelka, with a projected path that could include Daniil Medvedev or Alejandro Davidovich in the last 16, Ben Shelton in the quarters, and potentially Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.
  • Defending champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner starts versus Vit Kopriva, and as a top seed opposite Alcaraz he can face the Spaniard only in a final.
  • Novak Djokovic, returning after skipping events since Wimbledon, draws young American Learner Tien in the first round, with a possible quarterfinal against Taylor Fritz if both advance.
  • The tournament runs August 24 to September 7 at Flushing Meadows with a record $90 million prize pool, including $5 million to each singles champion.
  • Venus Williams received a USTA wildcard and will face Karolina Muchova in the first round, with main-draw play beginning Sunday after a day-earlier start than past editions.