Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will hope to go far at the US Open (Image: Getty)
The US Open gets underway today with some of tennis’ biggest names on court at Flushing Meadows. The likes of Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune and Coco Gauff are all due to kickstart their campaigns during Monday’s action at the final Grand Slam of the year.
Over the coming days, there will be plenty of eyes on Novak Djokovic as he attempts to retain his crown. The Serb, who recently became the Olympic champion, has not won a major title since his triumph in New York a year ago.
Both he and Carlos Alcaraz have suffered fitness scares in the days before the US Open begins.
Carlos Alcaraz suffers injury scare
Carlos Alcaraz insists he will be 100 per cent fit for his US Open clash with Li Tu on Wednesday despite suffering an injury scare.
The Spaniard called off a practice session on Saturday after twisting his ankle.
“I just stopped my practice for precaution. I didn’t feel comfortable enough to keep practising just in case if everything is going to be worse,” Alcaraz said on Sunday.
“A few hours later, I feel good. Tomorrow I will try to be practising again without thinking about it.
“I wasn’t worried at all for my US Open participation. I was angry because I don’t want to stop the practice, to respect Cerundolo as well.
“Tomorrow or in two days I’m going to be my at 100 per cent, for sure. It’s about time.”
Novak Djokovic sent warning
Novak Djokovic has been told he must be careful at the US Open after opting against playing a hard-court tournament before the Grand Slam begins.
Djokovic’s last competitive outing was at the Olympics earlier this month, where he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander told Eurosport: “Novak isn’t even playing a tournament on hard court before the US Open. That hasn’t happened in, I don’t know how long, especially when it’s his decision to not to.
“But the one thing that really helps when you don’t play a tournament on that same surface before a major is the focus of that player in the first few rounds. So I think Novak, he knows that he is good enough, but he also knows that he has to be careful even though it’s on his favourite surface.