US OPEN – Men’s Draw. By Leo Canaparo
Four-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic will begin his campaign in New York against Argentina’s Mariano Navone, currently ranked No. 48 in the world.
Djokovic arrives at the final Grand Slam of the season as one of the biggest questions in the draw. The Serbian legend has not enjoyed his best recent results, but his extraordinary history at Flushing Meadows makes him impossible to overlook. A four-time champion in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023, Djokovic knows better than anyone how to navigate the pressure and intensity of the New York spotlight. Throughout his career, he has produced some of his most memorable Grand Slam performances on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
On the other side of the draw, Carlos Alcaraz will face Russia’s Roman Safiullin in his opening match. The Spaniard returns to competition after nearly five months away from the tour due to injury, making his physical condition one of the major storylines surrounding this year’s tournament. Alcaraz and Safiullin are tied at one win apiece in their head-to-head record.
Like Djokovic, Alcaraz has already left his mark on the history of the US Open despite his young age. The Spaniard captured his first Grand Slam title in New York in 2022, becoming the youngest world No. 1 in ATP rankings history. His spectacular five-set victory over Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals of that tournament remains one of the most memorable matches ever played at the US Open.
Djokovic and Alcaraz therefore represent two of the biggest uncertainties—and potentially two of the biggest attractions—of the men’s draw. Djokovic will be looking to rediscover his best form, while Alcaraz faces the challenge of returning to top-level competition after a long absence from the court.
Another leading contender, Alexander Zverev, will take on Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, while Felix Auger-Aliassime faces Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in what promises to be a closely contested encounter.
Two of the leading American hopes will also be in action. Ben Shelton will meet Tallon Griekspoor, while Taylor Fritz takes on Darwin Blanch.
Perhaps one of the most attractive opening-round matches in terms of pure tennis quality will feature Arthur Fils against Stefanos Tsitsipas, a clash between two talented players capable of producing some of the most exciting tennis of the tournament.
With major questions surrounding fitness, form and momentum, the men’s draw at the US Open is already shaping up to be full of intrigue from the very first round.