tennis
Djokovic, Wozniacki, Williams – the faces of the US Open
Serbian Novak Djokovic is happy to be back at the US Open. photo
© Aaron Doster/AP/dpa
Last year Novak Djokovic was absent from the US Open because he was not allowed to enter the country without a corona vaccination. Now the Serb wants to write new tennis history in New York. Other stars are also in focus.
This time the superstar is back – and wants to expand his record in men’s tennis by winning the 24th Grand Slam title. “I see every Grand Slam I’m playing as a golden opportunity to make more history,” said Djokovic, who proudly shared a photo with soccer world champion Lionel Messi.
Other international stars are also in focus at the last major of the year. Who to pay particular attention to:
Carlos Alcaráz:
The 20-year-old Spaniard had a lot of fun in the show game with basketball all-star Jimmy Butler in the Louis Armstrong Stadium – and even allowed his prominent opponent to win a point. If things get serious at the start of the week, the only way to win the title is via the 2022 winner. “I feel more mature on the pitch. I think I’m a better player than I was a year ago,” Alcaraz warned the competition on Friday.
In Wimbledon, Alcaraz was able to dethrone Djokovic, who was 16 years his senior, in a generational duel. The Serb hit back in the Cincinnati final at US Open dress rehearsal. In any case, Alcaraz is likely to lose its top position in the world rankings after the Flushing Meadows hard court tournament. Because Djokovic was absent last year, he does not have to defend any points and would take first place again even if Alcaraz won the title again if he only reached the second round.
Caroline Wozniacki:
The Dane was at the top of the world rankings for 71 weeks during her career – and is now returning to the Grand Slam stage as a mother of two after a break of more than three and a half years. The 33-year-old can compete with a wildcard from the organizers. In advance, she reported on her new life as a professional athlete with children. “It takes a little more effort to make sure the kids have everything they need,” Wozniacki said.
Since her return to the tennis circuit, she has won a game in two tournaments so far. She definitely wants to continue after the US Open. “I’m hoping for a great tournament,” said Wozniacki. “I definitely plan to play more in the coming year.”
Venus Williams:
When the American won the US Open for the first time in 2000, the current title holder Iga Swiatek from Poland was not even born. Despite an injury break of more than six months, Williams fought his way back to the professional tour this season. Although she had to withdraw from the dress rehearsal in Cincinnati because of knee problems, at the age of 43 she is planning her 24th start at Flushing Meadows. “I will work on myself and get back on my feet to be at the US Open,” announced the seven-time Grand Slam tournament winner.