This year’s US Open is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams in years on the men’s side.
As it stands, the two best players in the world are currently doubts for the tournament, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both dealing with injuries.
Alcaraz has been out of action since April with a wrist injury, while Sinner has only recently been dealing with a knee issue.
Who is your pick to win the US Open men’s singles title?
Should the so-called ‘new two’ be absent for the US Open, a golden opportunity will present itself to a number of players.
Patrick Mouratoglou discusses potential US Open winners
“This US Open is probably one of the most interesting Grand Slams on the men’s side for, I don’t know, how long,” stated Serena Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, in an Instagram post.
“The situation is unique. The absence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for quite a long time makes this Grand Slam incredibly exciting.
“We have had so much dominance for so long, and suddenly there is kind of an emptiness. Everything’s possible.
“There are a lot of young guys coming up. You have Arthur Fils, Jakub Mensik, Ben Shelton, [Rafael] Jodar, [Joao] Fonseca, [Learner] Tien. Those guys will have a chance if Alcaraz and Sinner are not at the level.
Where do you rank Ben Shelton on the list of favorites for the US Open title?
He has never won a Grand Slam title…
“Those guys are potentially Grand Slam winners. And then you also have Novak [Djokovic]. Besides Alcaraz and Sinner in Grand Slams, he’s been almost unbeatable the last year.
“Then you have [Alexander] Zverev, who won his first Grand Slam and played the final of a second Grand Slam straight away.
“There is so much uncertainty, so many possibilities for a lot of players, and that makes this Grand Slam quite unique. We haven’t had that for so long.”
Rafael Jodar could join exclusive list with US Open triumph
One of the biggest favourites to hoist the US Open trophy without Sinner or Alcaraz is 19-year-old Rafael Jodar.
The Spaniard, who burst onto the scene during the clay swing, has enjoyed a strong North American hard-court swing thus far.
Jodar made the final of the Washington Open and semifinals in Montreal before reaching the fourth round in Cincinnati.
Should he capture his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open, Jodar will become the third teenager in the Open Era to win the men’s singles crown in New York.
He will join Pete Sampras and Alcaraz, who won their first US Open titles in 1990 and 2022 respectively.
Joao Fonseca, also 19, won’t be able to join the list if he wins the US Open, as he turns 20 on Friday, August 21st.
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