Online Reporter
THERE is a conundrum for the leading men’s players to solve at the US Open.
How do they stop either Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz winning another Grand Slam title?
The evidence suggests somebody might have to beat both of the top two seeds — who are in opposite sides of the draw — to lift the New York title.
Few are predicting anyone can prevent Italy’s Sinner and Spain’s Alcaraz from completing another calendar clean sweep, having carved up the past seven majors between them.
“If you want to win a big title these days, that’s who you’ve got to go through,” said American sixth seed Ben Shelton.
If any of the four Slams could throw up a different winner, then recent history suggests it could happen at the US Open.
The slightly slower hard courts, humid conditions and its slot as the final major in a busy season have been contributing factors to six different champions in the past seven years.
Novak Djokovic is the only man to win it twice during that period. Even though he is now 38, the Serb remains the leading contender to stop defending champion Sinner and 2022 winner Alcaraz.
German third seed Alexander Zverev has not yet won a Grand Slam title despite his pedigree, appearing to lack belief against the very best at the business end of majors.
In a bid to get over the line, the three-time major finalist recently enlisted the help of Toni Nadal — who coached his nephew Rafael to 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles.
The trip to Nadal’s academy in Majorca came after Zverev’s first-round exit at Wimbledon, where he opened up about receiving psychological help to get “out of the hole” he was in.
“Of course to beat Alcaraz and Sinner is not easy but he has more chances to beat these two guys more than most others,” Nadal told BBC Sport.
“This is what I explained to him.
“Everyone thinks Alcaraz and Sinner are difficult to beat but I told him that Rafael, (Roger Federer) and Djokovic were all as good as Sinner or Alcaraz at least, and in this time Wawrinka and Murray won three Grand Slams.
“He will always have a chance but has to make a huge effort mentally in every chance.”
The American challenge is led by fourth seed Taylor Fritz, who lost to Sinner in last year’s final, and 2023 semi-finalist Shelton.
The home fans are still waiting to celebrate their first home men’s champion since Andy Roddick in 2003.
British number one Jack Draper is fancied to go far, having reached the semi-finals last year in his breakout run at a Grand Slam.
However, the 23-year-old left-hander, who has been troubled with an arm injury, has not played singles since his early Wimbledon exit in July. — BCC Sport/ Zimpapers Sports Hub.
