New York City, USA – After a record-breaking fan week that saw around 200,000 enthusiastic fans stream across the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the final Grand Slam of the tennis season will officially begin on Monday, August 26.th
We’ve already seen familiar scenes: people streaming into the venue; top players on the practice courts; qualifiers battling for places in the main draw; crowds running from court to court, looking for autographs with the famous oversized US Open tennis balls in their hands.
Also there: Yonex players gather to show off their talent – and go far in Flushing Meadows, Queens.
Jessica continues to run unstoppably
Jessica Pegula (USA) is probably the player in best form this summer. At the National Bank Open (Toronto WTA 1000) she secured five victories in a row despite a schedule made difficult by rain. The 30-year-old American also reached the final at the following Cincinnati Open (WTA 1000).
Many players struggled with tight schedules and changing environments this summer, but not Pegula. Why? Here’s her answer:
“I’m just good at adapting to situations. That’s how I’ve always been… with people and different situations. Wherever I am, I can adapt pretty well.”
She is demonstrating exceptional adaptability and is aiming for her first Grand Slam title, and is hoping to make it past the quarterfinals for the first time in her seventh attempt.
Paolini aims for great success on hard courts
Long-time Yonex star Jasmine Paolini(ITA)’s performance in Europe delighted tennis fans worldwide. After proving her skills on clay at Roland Garros and grass at Wimbledon, she will compete at the US Open to prove she can excel on any surface.
Her breakthrough actually came on the hard court at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) in February this year. Her tireless legs, sharp shots and beaming smile are sure to attract many New York fans.
And just imagine: At the US Open a year ago, she was unseeded and was eliminated in the first round.
Elena Rybakina opens a new chapter
Elena Rybakina (KAZ), number 4 in the world rankings, has had health problems and a difficult season. To change that, she announced her split from her long-time coach Stefano Vukov shortly before the US Open. She will also use a newly developed VCORE racket to make a particularly fresh start.
Can the 2022 Wimbledon champion recreate her best magic?
How far has Hubert Hurkacz recovered from his injury?
Hubert Hurkacz (POL), who suffered a knee injury at Wimbledon and had to undergo surgery, has made an astonishingly quick comeback. At the Cincinnati Open, he injured his calf and had to withdraw from his quarterfinal match against his Yonex colleague Frances Tiafoe.
Did this cautious break give the 7th seed the rest he needed? We’ll see.
Casper Ruud is on his way to fulfilling his mission
The finalist from two years ago, Casper Ruud (NOR) knows the surface and the atmosphere of the National Tennis Center like no other. Armed from head to toe with Yonex, he is quietly aiming for the title.
The three American musketeers are ready for a great triumph
Three American gladiators, armed with Yonex rackets, push each other to achieve a great triumph.
Pioneer is Ben Shelton (USA). He has prepared well and recently reached the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open. Last year’s breakout semifinalist is now ranked 13th – his career high – and wants to move even higher.
Directly behind Shelton in the rankings is Tommy Paul (USA), who has won two Tour titles this year. He has performed consistently throughout the season and has a winning percentage of over 70 percent.
And last but not least, there is the explosive finalist of the Cincinnati Open, the aforementioned Frances Tiafoe (USA).
“It’s been a really tough year,” Tiafoe recalled in Cincinnati. “You know, honestly, since the US Open, since I reached the quarterfinals there last year (2023), I’ve had trouble organizing matches, taking the game for granted, not being very grateful, changing coaches, trying to find myself…”
It seems as if he arrives in New York with a changed perspective.
“(I’m) in a great situation now,” he said. “To get to the final of a Masters series, you know, a chance to win it … I couldn’t be happier.”
So what can we expect from Big Foe in New York City? Let’s find out.
