Tennis Stars Zverev and Djokovic Face Scrutiny Ahead of US Open
The US Open is set to kick off on Sunday, marking a change from its traditional Monday start date, and promises to be a spectacle like no other. With a record-breaking prize money of $90 million, the world's top tennis players are gearing up for an exciting fortnight of competition.
In the women's draw, American fans can look forward to the likes of French Open champion Coco Gauff and Australian Open winner Madison Keys. Meanwhile, the Belarusian world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, is still waiting for her first Grand Slam title this year. Iga Swiatek, fresh off her Wimbledon championship win, will also be a force to reckon with.
The men's draw is equally star-studded. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the top two in the world rankings, are the big favourites for the men's title. Sinner, who recently gave up exhausted in the Cincinnati final against Alcaraz, will be looking to bounce back and claim his first Grand Slam title. Alexander Zverev's chances of the first Grand Slam triumph seem slim, with his mental problems and recent exhaustion being a question of his strength.
Novak Djokovic, the 36-year-old Serbian legend, won the US Open in 2023 and is aiming to surpass Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam titles. However, Djokovic has not played a match since his semi-final exit in Wimbledon due to a thigh injury, so his form remains uncertain.
Sky has acquired a sub-license to show the US Open, while SporteuropeTV holds the broadcasting rights since 2023. A pass for the entire tournament costs 20 euros, and the expert for the US Open broadcast on SporteuropeTV is tennis legend Boris Becker, accompanied by other experts such as Barbara Rittner and Jonas Hartenstein, with Matthias Stach as a key commentator. Becker is prominently featured as the main expert voice for the coverage.
The first round of singles matches in the US Open comes with a prize money of $110,000, while the winner of both the men's and women's tournament will receive a staggering $5 million, an increase from last year's prize. The US Open mixed competition has already been won by Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.
With a record-breaking prize money, a star-studded lineup, and expert commentary, the US Open 2023 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for tennis fans around the world.
