Alcaraz Begins US Open Quest Against Qualifier; Sinner To Compete With McDonald

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Carlos Alcaraz will start his quest for a third consecutive grand slam title at the US Open against a qualifier. Alcaraz, who clinched his fourth major title at Wimbledon in July by defeating Novak Djokovic, also won the 2022 US Open and the French Open earlier this year. If he advances past the first round, he might face Botic van de Zandschulp in round two and Britain's Jack Draper in the third round.

On the other side of the men's draw, Novak Djokovic will also begin against a qualifier as he aims to surpass Margaret Court's record of 24 grand slam titles. Djokovic secured his 24th major title at this year's tournament at Flushing Meadows by beating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. Despite struggling at other grand slams this year, Djokovic claimed his first Olympic gold medal by defeating Alcaraz at Roland-Garros.

Seeded third, Alcaraz could potentially meet world number one Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. Sinner will kick off his campaign against Mackenzie McDonald. Recently, Sinner avoided a ban after testing positive twice for clostebol; an independent tribunal found that his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi had inadvertently given him the banned substance through an over-the-counter spray.

In the women's draw, top seed Iga Swiatek will also face a qualifier in her opening match. Coco Gauff, defending her title, will take on Varvara Gracheva in her first match. Gauff could face Elina Svitolina in a challenging third-round encounter if she progresses.

Aryna Sabalenka joins Swiatek in facing a qualifier initially. Meanwhile, 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu has a tough draw ahead. She will play Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open winner from the United States, in her first match since 2022 at Flushing Meadows. The winner of this match is set to face either Shelby Rogers or sixth seed Jessica Pegula in round two.

The US Open men's singles draw is out! pic.twitter.com/gM38w7oapj

US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 22, 2024

The first round of the US Open begins on Monday. The women's singles final is scheduled for September 7, with the men's final taking place one day later.

The stage is set! The US Open women’s singles draw is out. pic.twitter.com/B8Y8xSMO3A

US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 22, 2024