Rafael Nadal had not been to the US Open for two years, since lifting the trophy in 2019. He arrives in New York (“one of the most important places in my career”) without having lost a Grand Slam match this year (19- 0), ready to chase his fifth US Open title, his 23rd major trophy and with a chance of being the world number one again. Even so, in Flushing Meadows there is only talk of a farewell and an absence. The goodbye is the announced retirement of Serena Williams, who in this edition participates in singles and doubles, with her sister Venus de Ella. And the one who is on everyone's lips without being present is Novak Djokovic, who hoped without luck for a last minute miracle that would let him enter the country despite not being vaccinated against covid.
“We knew that he was not going to play for months,” said Nadal, who has his half of the draw clearer without the ghost of the Serb. “From my perspective it's sad, because not having one of the best in history in a Grand Slam draw is a loss. But on the other hand, the sport is greater than any one player. Tennis will continue after me, Novak and Roger. And every year there will be a Slam champion.
This edition of the US Open promises to be especially exciting, with four players who could take the number one from defending champion Daniil Medvedev: Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz and the aforementioned Nadal. The Mallorcan has only played one tournament (he lost in the second round of Cincinnati against future champion Borna Coric) since he had to withdraw before the Wimbledon semifinals with a torn abdominal. However, Nadal is optimistic. “I am training at a fairly intense level, but taking care of myself on serve. I play sets daily and I am very satisfied with my training. I hope to be ready for action.” Tomorrow he will face Australian Rinky Hijikata (#198).
For his part, Alcaraz faces the US Open wanting to soak up the atmosphere at Arthur Ashe ("or wherever I happen to be"). After a meteoric rise this year to the number three spot, the youngster from Murcia felt the pressure in Montreal, where he failed to make it through his first match. "I only thought about winning and that didn't let me play," he admitted.
“Here I come to show my level and smile on the track. With that will come the results. I have always grown up in the big stadiums and I have enjoyed them. I want to play on center court in front of all the people and enjoy it”. That is, for Alcaraz, the key to success. “‘Enjoy’ is a word that I have very much in mind. I'm doing something that I love and if you don't enjoy it on the track, you're lost. It will be released tomorrow with the Argentine Sebastián Baez.
In addition to Nadal and Alcaraz – who could only face each other in the semifinals – ten Spaniards come into action in the men's draw. Among them, the winner of the Montreal Masters 1000, Pablo Carreño. The Asturian has in front of him today the 2020 US Open champion, Dominic Thiem, whom he has not been able to defeat in his previous seven matches. Regardless, Carreño (seeded 12) is favored against an opponent who is struggling to regain form after his wrist injury.
In the women's box there is also no clear favorite. Number one Iga Swiatek started the year with an amazing string of wins, but she's been more irregular this summer. The champion of last year, Emma Raducanu, has not arrived with good feelings either. Among the five Spaniards competing for the title, Paula Badosa (seeded fourth) and Garbiñe Muguruza (ninth) are the ones who, on paper, have the most options.
