Diego Schwartzman, Francisco Cerúndolo, Tomás Etcheverry and Sebastián Báez, four of the Argentines who will debut this Monday
This Monday one of the great tennis events will begin and it is the US Openshe last Grand Slam of the seasonwhich will take place in the iconic complex Flushing Meadows in New York. On the first day they will debut eight of the 12 Argentines who will be present and among them stands out Diego Schwartzman (246th), who will bid farewell to the Majors.
The 144th edition of the American tournament will start amid an atmosphere shaken by the case of doping without sanction for the number 1 in the men’s ranking, Jannik Sinner. The Italian’s situation generated controversy in the run-up to the competition.
Sinner and Spanish Carlos Alcaraz (3rd) are emerging as the main threats to Novak Djokovic (2nd). Nole, the current champion, returns to Flushing Meadows after completing the Golden Slam by winning the gold medal in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Since 2011, the Serbian has claimed at least one Grand Slam title in twelve of the previous thirteen seasons, with the exception of 2017. This year he is looking to claim his first Grand Slam trophy and, if successful, he would become only the third man in the Open Era to reach 100 titles, equalling legends such as Jimmy Connors y Roger Federer.
Italy’s Jannik Sinner will play amid a doping scandal without penalty (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)
Djokovicthe biggest winner in the history of Grand Slam with 24 victories (followed by 22 for Rafael Nadal and 20 for Roger Federer)also faces the prospect of successfully defending the US Open trophy, an achievement not seen since Federer’s run of consecutive victories from 2004 to 2008. Reflecting on this challenge, Djokovic commented: “I hope that changes this year. I still have the competitive spirit. I want to make more history. I hope to inspire many young people to watch and play tennis..The Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport.”
Meanwhile, Sinnerwho has won five titles this year, including the Australian Open and the Cincinnati Masters 1000, is seeking to become the second Italian to win the singles trophy at the US Open, after Flavia Pennetta (2015). Sinner is trying to cope with the media fallout from his doping case to focus on his game, a considerable emotional challenge that could affect his performance.
On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraznumber three in the ranking, comes to the tournament with an impressive streak of fourteen consecutive victories in Grand Slams, after being crowned Roland Garros y Wimbledon. Alcaraz is aiming to become the seventh man in the Open Era to win three Grand Slam titles in a single season. However, a recent scare with a sprained ankle during a practice in New York has put his team on alert, although Alcaraz himself has assured that he will be in perfect condition to compete.
Novak Djokovic is coming off a gold medal win at Paris 2024 and will be looking for his 25th Grand Slam (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly)
In the women’s draw, several players are also emerging as title contenders. Iga Swiatek (1º), Aryna Sabalenka (2nd), and Barbora Krejcikova (8th) have won Grand Slam titles this season, representing Belarus, Poland and the Czech Republic respectively.
Coco GauffThe No. 3-ranked Gauff will be looking to repeat her success of last year, when she joined the few Americans to win the US Open since 2000. A potential semi-final clash with Sabalenka could be a crucial test for Gauff.
Swiatekwho has held the world number one spot for 75 weeks until the 2023 US Open, regained the position at the end of the same year. This time, regardless of the results in New York, he will manage to extend his stay at the top of the rankings, a reflection of his consistency and performance throughout the season.
Iga Swiatek goes for another victory (REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo)
The Argentine Legion.
This Monday, eight of the twelve Argentines will take to the field. Here are the details of who will start the action:
Camilo Ugo Carabelli vs. American Taylor Fritz, 12th seed (in the second round at Louis Armstrong Stadium, at approximately 2 p.m. in Argentina).
Diego Schwartzman vs. the Frenchman Gael Monfils (in the third round of the Grandstand).
Maria Lourdes Carle vs. Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, 27th (first round on court 5, from 12 noon).
Thomas Etcheverry vs. the Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (third round of court 10).
Francisco Cerúndolo (29°) vs. Austrian Sebastian Ofner (third round on court 12).
Francisco Comesaña vs. Swiss Dominic Stricker (first round on court 4).
Solana Sierra vs. German Tatjana Maria (second round on court 4).
Sebastian Baez (21st) vs. Italian Luciano Darderi (fourth round of court 4).
The matches will be available on ESPN’s various screens. In addition to its cable channels, the Disney+ platform will also be available.
