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The closing event of the tennis season at the US Open is nearly here — and it might be the most uncertain major tournament of the year.

The ATP and WTA have experienced a cycle of injuries, with multiple top players uncertain about participating, making both tournaments highly unpredictable. Anything is possible.

Therefore, before the events begin,Daily Mail Sporthas selected five reasons to be enthusiastic about the upcoming fortnight at Flushing Meadows.

 

Carlos Alcaraz‘s comeback

Carlos Alcaraz officially announced his highly anticipated comeback last Thursday through a joint post with football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, employing his famous ‘Here we go’ phrase.

After missing both Roland Garros andWimbledonsuffering from a continuous wrist injury, his first-round game in New York will mark his initial competitive singles appearance since theBarcelona Open four months ago. 

His departure from the Cincinnati Open, where he was anticipated to return, raises genuine doubts about his ability to handle the physical challenges of five-set matches.

His long-time opponent Jannik Sinner has confirmed he will be absent from the US Open. The top-ranked player hasn’t participated in a competitive match since the Wimbledon final, as he deals with a right knee injury that has now been disclosed.

In addition to his surprising second-round loss at Roland Garros, Sinner has been dominant for much of the season. He easily retained his Wimbledon title and became the second player, following Rafael Nadal, to claim all three Clay Court Masters 1000 tournaments in one year.

A Grand Slam without Sinner or Alcaraz as the top contender is unimaginable – they have claimed nine of the last ten major titles combined.

With Sinner now released and Alcaraz returning following a lengthy break, the group of competitors has a unique opportunity to stand out under the Arthur Ashe lights.

 

Star-studded mixed doubles return 

The updated mixed doubles format makes a comeback after its contentious launch last year. Featuring shorter sets, a significant cash reward, and a spot a week prior to the singles competition, it aims to attract top singles players to participate.

Following extensive rumors, Alcaraz and Serena Williams have officially announced their collaboration. The high-profile partnership—boasting a total of 44 singles and doubles Grand Slam titles—has been granted a wildcard entry into the main tournament.

The defending champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, aim for a third consecutive title and emphasize to the organizers that doubles experts should not be undervalued or considered expendable.

Other collaborators include 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the all-American pair of Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz, as well as wildcard combinations like spouses Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, and the Russian duo Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev.

After the qualifying matches this week, Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool, along with Katerina Siniakova and Brit Henry Patten, moved on to the main tournament, which kicks off on Tuesday with the semi-finals and final set for tomorrow.

 

Alexandra Eala mania

One thing is for sure, rely on Alexandra Eala’s energetic Filipino fan base to fill Flushing Meadows.

Her rapid ascent to fame has turned the Philippines into a nation captivated by tennis. The 21-year-old’s impact has prompted local authorities to construct thousands of additional hard courts throughout the country.

Eala appears in the form of her life, just after securing her most significant career title at the Washington Open – defeating world number five Jessica Pegula in the final.

The left-handed young player also showcased a remarkable grass court swing: claiming a WTA 250 title in Birmingham, advancing to the semi-finals of the Berlin Open, and then at Wimbledon, she defeated the reigning champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets during the third round.

Be prepared to see many Filipino flags, lively cheers in Tagalog, and a player fueled by a sense of national pride.

 

Can Fery go again? 

Prior to Wimbledon, Arthur Fery was rarely spoken of as a significant British talent, having operated under the radar on the ITF and ATP challenger tours.

Currently, the 24-year-old athlete is ranked 37th globally following a remarkable wildcard journey to the semi-finals at the All-England Club.

Fery, raised in Wimbledon, has participated in just one event since, making it to the second round in Cincinnati before losing to Alex De Minaur in a closely contested match.

Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu both pulled out because of injuries, while Katie Boulter and Cameron Norrie seldom posed a challenge in the later stages of Grand Slams, so the British players are hoping Fery’s sudden improvement is not just a coincidence.

 

The quest to become the top woman in the world

Aryna Sabalenka might lose her position at the top of the WTA rankings in New York, as Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula have the potential to overtake her based on match outcomes.

Sabalenka has not made it to a final since winning the Sunshine Double in March – a concerning decline for her. To keep her position at the top, she needs to win the US Open.

Rybakina has demonstrated a recent improvement in performance, making it to the final of the Canadian Open and then the quarterfinals of Cincinnati before an ankle injury ended her campaign, raising questions about her participation. If she competes, advancing to the semifinals would secure her position as world No. 1.

Cincinnati champion Gauff and Cincinnati and Washington finalist Pegula have the opportunity to reach the top rank if they win the competition and Rybakina is eliminated before the semifinals.

The women’s bracket lacks a clear favorite, and the championship is wide open. With four players still in the running, the battle for the world’s No. 1 ranking remains one of the most intriguing narratives as the US Open approaches.

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