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Thought Wimbledon was exciting? The US Open will be better

By Keshav Gopalan

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men's Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men's Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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The All England Club saw the return of a triumphant Novak Djokovic, lifting his fourth Wimbledon trophy, completing his comeback trail which started in the sands of Rome.

This year’s Wimbledon saw a third of the seeds from both the men’s and women’s draw exit before the second round, none of the top 10 made it to the quarterfinals in the women’s draw and saw the defending champion and heavy favourite Roger Federer lose in a thrilling 5 setter despite having match point.

A harmony of the old and new guard

While the old guard seems too adamant to give their shields up, this year’s Wimbledon also saw the rise of the, ahem, #NextGen. Greek player and Neymar admirer Stefanos Tsitsipas made it to his first fourth round of a slam, losing to John Isner. Alex De Minaur won his first grand slam match, eventually losing in the third round to Rafael Nadal. Karen Khachanov from Russia continued his impressive form in slams, reaching the last 16  for the first time in Wimbledon but for the second time in the year.

Frances Tiafoe was close to making it into the second week at Wimbledon, while French veteran Gilles Simon made the round of 16 of a slam for the first time since the 2016 Australian Open. Both Kei Nishikori and Gael Monfils reached their career bests in Wimbledon, with Monfils making the 4th round after 6 failed attempts and Nishikori reaching the quarterfinals.

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The return and rise of old and new in the US Open?

Several players, old and new, will be making a return in the US Open. The current British Number 23 and 3-time slam champion Andy Murray will likely make his comeback in Washington and will be present for the US Open. 2016 champ Stan Wawrinka will also be back, along with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, out of action since February. Last year’s semifinalist Tomas Berdych will also likely make a return, while among the young guns Hyeon Chung will lead the charge, coming back from an ankle injury, while Andrey Rublev is coming back from a back injury.

Journeyman Roberto Bautista Agut will also be back, after injuring his hip at the Halle Semifinals against Borna Coric. Besides all the comebacks, other players are expected to make a dent as well. Shapovalov made the fourth round at the US Open last year and will be looking to improve his record. Sascha Zverev continues to disappoint in slams and the US Open is the least likely slam for him to win first, but you never know with the mercurial German. Stefanos will not be able to replicate his dive volleys in the US Open but can have a deep run. Canadian sensation Felix Auger Aliassime could get a wildcard entry and will be looking to win his first slam match

Next: The Big Four are back after Wimbledon, except for Andy Murray

Conclusion

The US Open will be exciting and along with Wimbledon is going to be the tournament where the old and new guys will be exchanging blows. Whether or not the new guys will win or the Big four will remain to be seen, but expect a fun tournament.

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