Defending champion Alcaraz begins against Germany’s KoepferJabeur could face Sabalenka rematch in quarter-finals
Novak Djokovic will mark his return to the US Open by facing Alexandre Müller, a Frenchman ranked No 85 in the world, in the first round. After his incredible three-set win over Carlos Alcaraz to land the Cincinnati Masters 1000 title last week moved him closer to regaining the top ranking, a first-round victory for Djokovic would ensure that he will leapfrog Alcaraz in the ATP rankings and celebrate a record-extending 390th week at No 1 after the US Open.
The women’s draw will also be headed by a battle for the No 1 ranking, but this contest promises to be far more competitive. Iga Swiatek, the women’s world No 1 and defending champion, will look to hold off Aryna Sabalenka, who has spent this year desperately trying to chase the Pole down. In order to maintain her ranking, Swiatek must outperform Sabalenka in New York. Should they both lose at the same stage, Sabalenka would ascend to the No 1 ranking for the first time.
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