US Open 2024: Everything You Need to Know
The excitement is building as the last grand slam of 2024, the US Open, is set to kick off in New York next week. After a thrilling seven weeks that saw players transitioning from grass courts to clay at the Olympics and now to the hard court season in North America, the stage is set for some fierce competition.
Men’s Singles Favorites
In the men’s singles, the ‘big three’ consisting of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz are the frontrunners for the title. The tournament could potentially hinge on the draw, with all eyes on which two players will be placed in the same half and projected to meet in the semi-finals.
Women’s Singles Contenders
Defending champion Coco Gauff will be looking to defend her title, despite not securing a title in 2024. With the home crowd behind her, she faces tough competition from players like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina.
On the men’s side, British number two Cameron Norrie has unfortunately had to withdraw from the US Open due to a forearm injury. This leaves the British contingent relying on players like Jack Draper and Daniel Evans to carry their hopes in the men’s draw, while Katie Boulter, Emma Raducanu, and Harriet Dart will be flying the flag in the women’s draw.
US Open Schedule and Key Dates
The US Open officially starts on August 26 and will run until September 8. The qualifying tournament is already underway and will conclude on August 22. The singles draw is set to take place on August 22, determining the matchups for the tournament.
The women’s final will be held on September 7 at 9pm, followed by the men’s final on the next day at 7pm. The venue for all the action is the iconic Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.
TV Viewing Guide
For fans in the UK, Sky Sports has the broadcasting rights to showcase the US Open live from Flushing Meadows. The coverage will be led by Gigi Salmon, alongside tennis experts like Tim Henman, Laura Robson, Karthi Gnanasegaram, and Jonathan Overend.
In the US, ESPN will be the go-to channel for watching the tournament live. With exclusive broadcasting rights, fans across the country can catch all the action from the comfort of their homes.
Prize Money and Odds
The total prize pool for the US Open stands at an impressive $75 million (£58.3m), marking a 15% increase from the previous year. The men’s and women’s singles champions will each walk away with £2.8m, while the runners-up will earn £1.4m.
As for the betting odds, Carlos Alcaraz leads the pack on the men’s side with odds of 28/17, followed closely by Jannik Sinner at 27/11. In the women’s field, Iga Swiatek is the favorite with odds of 3/1, trailed by Aryna Sabalenka at 9/2.
Conclusion
With the US Open just around the corner, tennis fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament. From the favorites in the men’s and women’s singles to the schedule, TV viewing options, and prize money on offer, there is plenty to look forward to in this year’s edition of the prestigious event. Stay tuned for all the thrilling action from Flushing Meadows as the stars of the tennis world battle it out for glory on the hard courts of New York.