As the US Open 2023 ramps up the anticipation, the men’s singles category promises a showdown of epic proportions. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the field promises an electrifying journey as these players look to etch their names in tennis history.
So, let’s take a closer look at our top five picks who could shine in the final four and potentially emerge as the champion.
Pick 5 – Frances Tiafoe, seeded 10, the American dark horse:
Frances Tiafoe has a special affinity for the courts of New York, evident in his consistent strong showings in Flushing Meadows. Notably, he stunned the tennis world with a remarkable run to the semi-finals last year, even toppling Rafael Nadal along the way.
Tiafoe’s explosive and dynamic playing style makes him a formidable opponent capable of surprising anyone.
Frances Tiafoe just beat Rafael Nadal and is now the last remaining American male at the US Open.
You may not know who Frances is, but once you hear his inspirational story, you will always root for him.
Let me explain 👇 pic.twitter.com/FkuMgePiKm
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) September 7, 2022
This year, Tiafoe has maintained a solid performance, securing titles in Houston and Stuttgart, and notching a semifinal appearance in Indian Wells. This has led him to secure a top-10 place in the world rankings.
Tiafoe’s penchant for delivering on the biggest stage and the support from his home fans could make him a true dark horse to watch out for at the US Open 2023.
Pick 4 – Holger Rune, seeded 4:
Rising through the ranks, Rune has displayed the potential of a future Grand Slam champion. His climb in the rankings and solid showings at Roland Garros and Wimbledon highlight his skills. Last year, just after the US Open, he won the Paris Masters on hard courts defeating Alcaraz and Djokovic along the way.
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Despite his recent cooling off, his presence in the top 10 is remarkable. His talents have shown in the big tournaments. However, he faces the challenge of regaining momentum heading into the US Open.
Pick 3 – Daniil Medvedev, seeded 3:
Undoubtedly a force on hard courts, Medvedev is a formidable contender. All four of his Grand Slam finals have taken place on this surface, including his title at the 2021 US Open.
25yo Daniil Medvedev, the world number #2, beats #1 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to win his first career Major at the #USOpen, denying Djokovic the unique opportunity to win a Calendar Slam.
Djokovic’s #21 has to wait as well…
We have a new Slam champ in NYC again! pic.twitter.com/A7yW4leOrz
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 12, 2021
Leading this year in hard-court titles and match wins, Medvedev’s record on concrete is impressive. Although he faced setbacks in Toronto and Cincinnati, his performance at the US Open could be a game-changer.
Pick 2 – Novak Djokovic, seeded 2:
Djokovic’s claim to be one of the greatest players in history is backed by an unmatched record on hard courts. With a staggering 10 Australian Open titles and nine US Open finals, Djokovic’s dominance on this surface is evident. A 20-1 record on cement this season underscores his prowess.
Last night was epic.
Djokovic’s win over Alcaraz in the Cincinnati final adds to US Open intrigue.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 21, 2023
Despite his age, Djokovic‘s fitness remains unparalleled, as witnessed in the marathon Cincinnati final. While his match play this year has been limited, his exceptional abilities make him a strong contender for his 24th Grand Slam title.
Pick 1 – Carlos Alcaraz, the top seed:
After claiming his maiden Slam title last year, Alcaraz has solidified his status as a tennis sensation. The 20-year-old boasts remarkable statistics this year, leading in winning percentage, match victories, and tournament titles.
CARLOS ALCARAZ HAS DONE IT! 🔥
The World No. 1 does the unthinkable, hands @DjokerNole a defeat at Centre Court for the first time in 10 years and 9 days to win his first Wimbledon title 🏆
Congratulations, @carlosalcaraz 💚💜#WimbledonOnStar pic.twitter.com/KwRHGf61a9
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 16, 2023
His triumph over Djokovic at Wimbledon reaffirmed his prowess, adding a 2023 Wimbledon crown to his 2022 US Open victory. A surprise loss to Tommy Paul in Toronto raised eyebrows. But Alcaraz’s subsequent finals appearance in Cincinnati speaks of his resilience.
Predictions for men’s singles final-fours and champion:
As the tennis season unfolds, Alcaraz and Djokovic have unmistakably asserted themselves as the top cream in men’s tennis. Their dominance is evident as they have consistently emerged as frontrunners in every tournament they grace. This sentiment strongly resonates with this year’s US Open as well.
However, the US Open has proven to be an unpredictable arena in recent times, witnessing breakthroughs by first-time major winners in the last three years alone. Nonetheless, gauging the present form of these formidable players, our forecast for the final fours leading to the eventual men’s champion unfolds as follows –
First Semi-finals: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Daniil Medvedev
Second Semi-finals: Novak Djokovic vs. Holger Rune/Frances Tiafoe
Finalists: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic
Champion: Carlos Alcaraz
The faster courts of the US Open do favor the mercurial and dynamic Alcaraz, with his power-laden shots, as the top contender for the title over Djokovic. The stage is set for a riveting clash of titans.
Yet, the unpredictable nature of the US Open might just pave the way for another underdog story that the world will be talking about for years to come!