The US Open is just around the corner and three players stand out in the men’s singles: world number one Jannik Sinner, second-ranked Novak Djokovic and third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz. All three are well ahead of the rest of the field and it seems difficult to find a challenger who could take on all three.
Although they are the top favorites, the question remains as to who could ultimately be considered the main favorite.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Strengths and weaknesses of the frontrunners
Jannik Sinner Strengths: No other player goes into the US Open with as many titles won as Sinner, who has a total of five titles in 2024 to his name after his victory at the Cincinnati Open on Monday.
This triumph marks him as the only one of the three to triumph on hard court in preparation for the US Open, while Djokovic skipped Montreal and Cincinnati and Alcaraz was eliminated in Cincinnati in his first match.
With a title at the Australian Open, a semi-final at the French Open and a quarter-final at Wimbledon, he has proven his skills at the Grand Slams and should go far in New York as well.
Sinner has also won three of his last four meetings with Djokovic, suggesting an advantage in this rivalry. Weaknesses: Sinner’s recurring hip injury, which affected him both in Montreal against Andrey Rublev and in Cincinnati, is a concern.
Although he has shown he can largely manage the problem, the series of seven five-set matches presents a particular challenge. In addition, Sinner has lost both of his duels against Alcaraz this season, which may give the Spaniard a slight mental advantage should they meet.
Novak Djokovic Strengths: No player has won more Grand Slam titles than Djokovic, who has 24 major titles to his name. He is also a four-time champion in New York and last defended his title in 2021. Djokovic has recently rediscovered his form, reaching the final at Wimbledon and winning the historic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.
These successes should have eased the pressure on him. Weaknesses: The biggest challenge for Djokovic could be his rivalry with Sinner, especially after the latter’s convincing victory at the Australian Open.
Interestingly, the Serb has never successfully defended his US Open title. Carlos Alcaraz Strengths: Alcaraz has been the most in-form player of the summer and comes into the tournament with victories at the French Open and Wimbledon as well as a run to the finals of the Olympic Games.
The US Open has been a consistently successful Grand Slam tournament for him in his career so far. Weaknesses: Alcaraz appeared emotionally battered in his loss in Cincinnati, and although he still has time, there is clearly something to correct before the tournament starts. His loss in the Olympic final was also a tough blow.
