A week into the US Open, there is no shortage of excitement, ups and downs and yes, drama.
Number 1 Ash Barty was defeated by American Shelby Rogers in the third round on Saturday night. The day before, Naomi Osaka lost to Leyla Fernandez in the third round. Elsewhere in the tournament, Stefanos Tsitsipas, was also upset in the third round on Friday, drawing criticism from his fellow competitors about his long bathroom breaks.
As we enter the second week at Flushing Meadows, our experts break down what to expect to see in both the men's and women's sides of the tournament and whether Novak Djokovic can claim the Grand Slam title No. 21 and the calendar-year Slam. can.
Bill Connelly: Honestly, in terms of Djokovic versus Zone, I think there's a lot of potential in the field's favor at this point. His potential semi-final rival Alexander Zverev has won 22 of 24 sets since losing the first set to Djokovic in the Olympic semi-finals and has been virtually untouchable this week. Meanwhile, not only is Daniil Medvedev dominating, but his draw begins with the elimination of both of his most likely semi-final opponents, Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev. Djokovic will be preferred in both matches, but the two men entering the tournament as their biggest challengers have lived up to their billing so far. I wouldn't put Djokovic's title odds above about 40% at this point.
Luke Jensen: Djokovic is clearly the best player I've seen on the field and Zverev is behind with his Olympic gold medal, but if anyone has a shot at ruining history, I want a little kid who just Amazing moves on, and that American is Jenson Brooksby. JB plays very well on the hardcourt and is adept at clutch play. Give Brooksby a packed Ash Stadium, and a close match could mean the US Open languishing for ages.
Aishwarya Kumar: Yes, Djokovic does. And Medvedev has the best shot at him. Russia has yet to lose a set or play a tiebreaker in this tournament. He has looked in control in every match - and he is in the second half of the draw. This means it could very well be a Djokovic vs Medvedev final, as long as Djokovic looks after Zverev, whom he could have met in the semi-finals. I know Medvedev lost in straight sets to Djokovic in the Australian Open final earlier this year, but we must not forget that they have played each other eight times, with Medvedev beating World No. 1 three times. have been successful.
D'Arcy Maine: Yes, but it's not going to be easy. Djokovic has shown glimpses of vulnerability throughout the week, especially in his first round match with Holger Rune and against Kei Nishikori in the third round. The opposition's level will get tougher as the tournament progresses, so he really has to dial in if he wants to make history. Djokovic could potentially face Medvedev in the final - who has yet to drop a set in New York. Now playing in two major hardcourt finals and looking better than ever, there could be a real threat to derail Medvedev Djokovic's pursuit.
Pam Shriver: Since choosing the field at the start of a Grand Slam, I'm still not going to change - because history says winning a Grand Slam is the hardest thing to do in tennis. Zverev in the semi-finals or Medvedev in the final has the best chance of beating Djokovic as they are both playing great hard-court tennis and the pressure for Djokovic builds with each round.
Alexandra Stevenson: Novak Djokovic will achieve calendar grand slam. How can you not call it for that? Medvedev is sitting there - working his way through the draw. Medvedev-Djokovic will be in the final. Fast courts are set up for both of them - especially Medvedev, which gives them a glimpse of what is being taken away from Djokovic.
Sure, Zverev has a chance against Novak in that big semifinal match. Djokovic maintains his consistency on the court as the other players don't stay there. It's hard to be with Djokovic on his best day. try it. He practices his pattern and [Coach Goran] Ivanisevic improves his serve.
Gail Monfils' exit from the fifth set was sad for fans who love a showman's game, but exciting for the men coming into this year's Open. Sinner. Alkraj. Shapovalov. Burma-Aliasim. And can we say that Jimmy Connors' Friday Night At The Fights is back? The Alcaraz-Tsitsipas match was preceded by a popcorn match: it was the theater on the edge of your seat.
Om Youngmisuk: With stalwarts like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal not here, Djokovic can see his biggest support coming from the Open crowd. He hasn't been at his most impressive, but he hasn't really been pushed seriously yet. Medvedev and Zverev could be the dangers that could derail the Joker's Slam dreams if he's not at his best.
Who is your favorite in the women's arena after week 1 and why?
James Blake: Karolina Pliskova. I believe Amanda Anisimova's successful second round match gave her the confidence to fight for her first Major.
Connelly: Osaka and Barty's upsets have turned this into a full-fledged battle royale, and almost any of the 12 players can be considered a favourite. this is incredible. But give me Arya Sabalenka. She's probably been the most consistent player on tour this year, she's just reached her first Slam semi-final at Wimbledon, and she could be ready. But it is anyone's caste.
Jensen: I had Osaka's form, but with her third round exit, I like the 2019 US Open champion, Bianca Andreescu. She has never lost in the main draw of the Open, and with a winner's trophy in her collection, adding another Tiffany winner is a real possibility. He is healthy and going through injuries makes it difficult to move. He has to stay away from double faults and use his forehand effectively to win it all.
Kumar: I have to say Fernandez. His confidence against Osaka really surprised me. His deep left-handed serve, his cheeky drop shots during big points and the fact that he packed - and didn't let the gruff - Arthur Ashe Stadium impress him one way or the other says a lot. Also, she defeated veteran Kaya Kanepi and Anna Konjuh in straight sets before facing Osaka. I'm here in for a good success-star story.
Main: Barty and Osaka are now out of a draw, it's up to anyone to win the title - but Andreescu has looked as good as, well, the last time she won the US Open in 2019. It's been a challenging season for the Canadian, but after surviving a tough first-round match and looking healthy for the first time in a long time, Andreescu's confidence is back in a big way and she's in a tournament she knows best. She can win.
Shriver: After Week 1, with both Barty and Osaka, there are no favorites. Andreescu is the only defending champion left and she keeps getting better with each match. Svitolina and Bencic are playing well with Olympic shine after winning gold and bronze medals in Tokyo.
Stevenson: Belinda Bencic is the most impressive game in the game since Week 1. I'm looking forward to his match with Andreescu. Andreescu has strong groundstrokes, but I love Bencic's toughness, swiss pattern, and emotional outburst, regardless of the outcome.
The male player with astonishing runs so far has the best chance of winning the title and why?
Blake: Opelka. The draw is open for him and his arms are huge.
Connelly: With Djokovic, Zverev and Medvedev likely to reach the semi-finals, you have to pick someone from the second quarter: either Frances Tiafo or Carlos Alcaraz. Tifo's win over Rublev was encouraging and further proof that he can beat anyone on any given day, but Alcaraz has been the more consistent player of the two. He's 49-18 this season (including the challengers), and if he can survive the aftermath of the Tsitsipas hangover—easier than where—he has the weapons to keep going.
Jensen: Alcaraz is incredible! He reminds me of a young Andre Agassi with explosive ground on both wings. It also reminds me of a time when tennis was wondering who would replace legends like McEnroe, Connors and Lendl. Then Sampras, Agassi, Chang and Courier win big as kids. Now "The Rock of Alcaraz" has taken over the command of the game from Djokovic, Federer and Nadal.
Kumar: Carlos Alcaraz. His forehand is a thing of beauty and his composure under pressure while taking on No. 3 seed Tsitsipas is a story I will tell people for a long time. He came back after losing in the fourth set against Tsitsipas, and still played like he believed he could win – and he did. And he is not on Djokovic's side of the draw. This means that if he upsets Medvedev, he could have a title clash with Djokovic. And I can already imagine that this match is one for the history books.
Main: I was going to say Jannik Sinner initially, but at this point, I don't think it's fair to consider it a surprise race anymore. So, that being said, Tiafo is in a big heat – with a huge upset win at Wimbledon earlier this week – and a win over No. 5 seed Rublev in the third round just showed just how dangerous he can be when he's on his own. Best. He loves the fans in the stands as much as they love him, and the American could get an extra boost from the home crowd.
Stevenson: Young Alcaraz is amazing to watch. Like a boxer in the ring. You pull up for him and you hold your breath at his swinging big shots. I think all the young players including Alkaraz have title chances in their careers. Shapovalov. Burma-Aliasim. And the Italian, sinner - harsh, but talented. Can we please get Alcarz from qualifier Peter Gojowski? Then he will go up against Tiafoe or Auger-Aliassime. Now they are showman matches!
YANGMISUK: Alcaraz might not be ready to capitalize on his terrifyingly impressive turnaround on Tsitsipas, but the 18-year-old showed the kind of poise, maturity and the kind of dynamite play needed to make a "wonderful run". If he plays against Tsitsipas as he did well ahead of his years - Alcaraz is going to be a serious problem for anyone on the other side, especially if he plays fearlessly and has nothing to lose.
Which female player who has scored a surprise run so far has the best chance of winning the title and why?
Blake: Elina Svitolina. She is playing well and full of confidence.
Connelly: A lot of the lower-seeded players are doing well right now - Angelique Kerber, Jessica Pegula, Annette Kontaveit - not exactly a surprise, but I'll just say this: as long as Fernandez is hitting the ball like he did in the third round against Osaka. In upset victories, he threatens to beat anyone on the field. Her pre-tournament form suggests she won't hold it for another four games (and playing Kerber after taking on big hitters like Osaka and Kaiya Kanepi is like playing a different game), but she remained unbelievable through three matches. Is.
Kumar: Kerber. After breaking out of the top 20 in 2020 and generally struggling with momentum, it has taken him a few years. She lost in the first round of the Australian Open and French Open this year. But he is a multiple Grand Slam champion, and only one tournament is needed for his game to click. Based on how she's played at Flushing Meadows so far (she came back from a set to defeat 2017 champion Sloane Stephens in the third round), I wouldn't be surprised if this tournament is one where she makes a strong comeback.
Men: Fernandez always believed she could beat anyone on the tour and now, after registering the biggest win of her career on Friday over Osaka, it will be tough to beat. She will take on a resurgent Kerber in the fourth round on Sunday — her 19th birthday — and if she can get past that, it seems the sky is the limit.
Shriver: Leyla Fernandez is lighting up the court with back-to-back victories over Osaka and Kerber. Looking at his attitude and game, he has the best chance of a surprise win.
Stevenson: Bencic won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. "Queen of the North" Andreescu seems ready to compete for the title. Throw in the power of Sakkari and it's an open field that anyone can take. They are all contenders here.
I wanted Sloane Stephens to come through in a draw. He really embodies Muhammad Ali's "rope-a-dope" moves; She lures you into her pattern, then pounces in your face, down the middle, for the right cross. Stephens can be fantastic.
Youngmisuke: Bensik. The female Olympic gold medalist looks sharp and fit, and her confidence is on the rise. If she meets Swietec next, that confidence is only going to grow.
Which Week 1 story will soon change - the debate over mandating bathroom breaks or vaccines?
Blake: Mandate. This is a security issue. Bathroom breaks will be talked about without any action.
Connelly: Hopefully both, but the answer is definitely bathroom breaks, because it's easy.
Jensen: How about Brooksby's grunt?
Kumar: As much as I have been loving all the bathroom sentences, this should be the vaccine mandate. With Delta Edition taking over the world, it's only a matter of days before the ATP and WTA must figure out a universal system to ensure that all athletes and their teams are safe. As Victoria Azarenka said, it's bizarre that fans need vaccinations while players don't. And it's not going to last long.
Main: Ah. In terms of tangible, mandatory changes, I think bathroom breaks will be addressed sooner because there will be less opposition among players to such a proposed rule. Can the record please state that I'm saying "ah" here again?
Shriver: I expect there to be no controversy in the second week, just more compelling, higher quality tennis. In all my years I have never seen so many memorable matches in both the men's and women's sides.
Stevenson: I think both scenarios will be a big deal on the WTA, ATP and Grand Slam committees. The bathroom breaks down. Tsitsipas has been called the "Prince Philosopher" by the New York Times. Perhaps he should talk eloquently about where he fits in - inside the locker room - with his fellow players. Make no mistake: The lengthy bathroom break and Andy Murray's scathing comments affect her, even though she said she didn't care. The locker room is a rare ambiance. You're not meant to be everyone's best friend, yet a sportsmanship of jokes matters, especially inside men's locker rooms.
For vaccines, it's tough. Countries have different rules - so the ITF has to implement vaccine rules, passports to get all players vaccinated.
Youngmisuke: The Bathroom Break drama has put forth a variety of opinions. Sure, vaccines have a more serious impact as the game progresses, but the break fiasco that Tsitsipas created against Andy Murray could probably lead to at least one tweak in the rules such as making vaccinations mandatory. As we have seen in the NFL and other sports, vaccination can be very personal and a divisive topic.