With the 2021 U.S. Open set to begin on Monday in Flushing Meadows, here are five players to watch for in the men’s draw.
Novak Djokovic
Despite winning the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon, Djokovic doesn’t come in with momentum after a bad showing at the Olympics and deciding to skip the hard-court tune-ups. But he has won 20 majors and can’t have more motivation as he attempts to become the first to win the Grand Slam in 52 years. Djokovic would have to commit a bank robbery to get disqualified by Open officials this fortnight.
Alex Zverev
The momentum the 6-foot-6 German serving machine carried into the Open has been shaken by renewed allegations of a domestic abuse from a former girlfriend who won’t press charges, but has given media interviews. Zverev faced a series of questions about the accusations at Friday’s media day. He hinted at taking legal action against the reporter who originally published allegations, but the tennis court is where he’s really dominating. Zverev won the Olympic gold medal, beating Djokovic on the way, and cruised to the Cincinnati title. He was up 2-0 in sets in last year’s U.S. Open finals before falling apart.
Danill Medvedev
The Russian baseliner who made the 2019 Open finals is a joy to watch — with all his spins, angles and chess-like tactics — though he battled the Open crowd two years ago. He may be best poised to stop Djokovic’s bid for history as he’s on the opposite side of his draw. Meanwhile, Djokovic has a tougher route to the finals, potentially facing Mario Berrettini in the quarterfinals and Zverev in the semifinals.
Reilly Opelka
The next American men’s hope is playing his best tennis at age 23, reaching the finals in a key warm-up in Toronto and has a seed (22nd). Opelka has shown marked progress from one year ago. The 6-foot-11 serving monster is the tallest player on tour and owns a Paul Bunyan beard. A strong run from the charismatic big man would do wonders for tennis in the United States.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
On Friday, the USTA announced only vaccinated fans will be allowed on the grounds. They’ll get to watch the unvaccinated Greek phenom, Tsitsipas, who has the third seed and — as part of the NextGen group — always appears a threat. He could win his first Grand Slam title if Djokovic is off form.