US Open 2017: Injuries open door for unsung heroes
The list of injuries is growing in the weeks leading up to the 2017 US Open. The door has officially opened for the unsung heroes to achieve immortality.
The 2017 US Open is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable events in recent men’s tennis history. Some of the top players on the ATP World Tour have succumbed to injuries, thus eliminating some measure of star power from the event.
Rather than expressing sorrow over what could have been, however, it’s far more productive to look at what could be.
Five of the biggest names in tennis are currently battling severe injuries with the 2017 US Open nearing: Marin Cilic, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, and Stan Wawrinka.
All five players have either won or reached the final at the US Open, which offers perspective as to how influential their respective absences would be.
It’s possible that some will manage to appear at the US Open, but Djokovic, Nishikori, and Wawrinka have all ruled themselves out for the remainder 2017. All three players are also currently ranked in the Top 10.
It’s also worth noting that Roger Federer aggravated a back injury at the Rogers Cup, and Milos Raonic withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters due to a wrist injury.
With seven Top 10 players either out or hoping to play through pain, the field is legitimately wide open. Federer and Nadal may still be the favorites, and an active Murray would join them, but this is becoming a golden opportunity for the rest of the ATP World Tour.
Beyond that list of seven banged up players is a field of championship hopefuls who could make a massive leap towards elite status at the 2017 US Open.
Djokovic, Nishikori, and Wawrinka were all favorites to at least the reach the quarterfinals, which opens three spots for other players. Djokovic and Wawrinka are former champions who played in the final in 2016. Nishikori reached the final in 2014, as well as the semifinal in 2016.
Eliminating that group, and accounting for the injuries to the other players, could mean that the next generation will come knocking.
Of the remaining Top 10 players, only Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Alexander Zverev are playing without documented injuries. Nadal could win his second Grand Slam of 2017, but it’s also plausible that the rising stars, Thiem and Zverev, could get their first major title.
The truth is: Whether it’s Nadal, Thiem, Zverev or a player ranked outside of the Top 10, someone will have an opportunity to capitalize on these injuries.
No one should benefit more than the players who are currently ranked outside of the Top 10.
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It’s never ideal to see players go down with an injury, but there’s a silver lining to be found with the 2017 US Open nearing.