Carlos Alcaraz faces a possible quarter-final conflict together with his previous foe Jannik Sinner in his US Open title defence, whereas American Coco Gauff is on a collision course with defending champion Iga Swiatek on the ladies’s aspect.
Alcaraz will face German Dominik Koepfer in his opener and will have few points within the early rounds earlier than the Wimbledon champion will doubtless face his first powerful check towards Sinner, the 22-year-old Italian who knocked him out on this yr’s Miami semi-finals.
The youthful pair loved a basic late night time quarter-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium final yr and look set to reprise that duel, which was received in 5 engrossing units by the then teenage Spaniard.
Novak Djokovic, the record-breaking 23-times main champion, is again after US COVID journey restrictions meant he was unable to journey to New York in 2022 and he’ll open towards France’s Alexandre Muller earlier than doubtlessly assembly seventh-ranked Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas within the final eight.
Other highlights of Thursday’s draw noticed former winner Daniil Medvedev prone to face Russian compatriot Andrey Rublev within the quarters, whereas American Frances Tiafoe might find yourself towards 2022 runner-up Casper Ruud and fourth seed Holger Rune if he matches final yr’s run to the semis.
Gauff will attempt to recreate the magic of her Cincinnati win this month, the place she beat Swiatek en path to the title, and the pair may meet within the quarters.
The Polish star Swiatek will open her marketing campaign towards Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson.
The backside half of the draw presents a tantalising potential quarter-final showdown between Tunisian Ons Jabeur, a finalist 12 months in the past, and second seed Aryna Sabalenka, who collected her maiden main title at this yr’s Australian Open.
Gauff’s compatriot and frequent doubles companion Jessica Pegula, the third seed, faces a troublesome draw as she opens towards Italian Camila Giorgi and he or she may additionally meet 2022 WTA Finals winner Caroline Garcia.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
