Story perspectives

Zverev Says US Open Draw Wide Open After Sinner Injury

8/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alexander Zverev says US Open field is wide open after Jannik Sinner’s knee injury.
The men’s draw seeds Zverev #1, Carlos Alcaraz #2, Félix Auger-Aliassime #3, Novak Djokovic #4.
Carlos Alcaraz opens versus Roman Safiullin on Aug. 30, his first singles match since April.
Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth, vows to use “inat” to silence doubters while chasing a record 25th Grand Slam.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, Juan Martín del Potro captured the US Open title, defeating Roger Federer in a five-set final amid a record 700,000-spectator week. The International Tennis Federation awarded $2.5 million in total prize money that year, granting del Potro $1.8 million, making it one of the richest payouts. Similarly, the 2024 US Open features a wide-open draw, with Alexander Zverev seeded No.1, Carlos Alcaraz No.2, and Novak Djokovic pursuing a record 25th Grand Slam. That 2009 upset showed how injuries and rising stars can reshape Grand Slam narratives, presaging today’s unpredictable battles and record-chasing ambitions.

1 of 2

Story summary

Alexander Zverev says US Open field is wide open after Jannik Sinner’s knee injury.
The men’s draw seeds Zverev #1, Carlos Alcaraz #2, Félix Auger-Aliassime #3, Novak Djokovic #4.
Carlos Alcaraz opens versus Roman Safiullin on Aug. 30, his first singles match since April.
Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth, vows to use “inat” to silence doubters while chasing a record 25th Grand Slam.

1 / 2