The 2024 US Open is on the horizon and the stars are making their final tweaks before we get underway at Flushing Meadows.
After a gut-wrenching defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final last year, Novak Djokovic went on an utter rampage to conclude his campaign.
The Serbian bounced back to win an astonishing four successive titles – the Cincinnati and Paris Masters, the US Open, and the season-ending ATP Finals.
Bar a slight scare in the third round to compatriot Laslo Djere, Djokovic steamrolled the field at Flushing Meadows to clinch a record leveling 24th major crown.
Alcaraz was defeated in the semi-finals by Daniil Medvedev, and this loss may have influenced the Spaniard’s decision when choosing his practice partners this year.
Who are Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic practicing with before the US Open?
The top men’s seedings for this year’s US Open have slightly altered from last time out, with Jannik Sinner coming in as the number one, Alcaraz dropping to number three, and Alexander Zverev climbing to fourth after an impressive season.
After coming unstuck by the resilience of the Russian in four sets in last year’s semi-final, Alcaraz has chosen to practice with Medvedev on Thursday.
Alcaraz, who suffered a shock in Cincinnati last week, needs a reset, and hitting with a player of Medvedev’s consistency might give him the momentum he needs, as well as providing an insight into what might await deeper in the tournament.
Thursday’s practice schedule also features reigning champion Djokovic taking to the court with Zverev, this year’s French Open finalist.
The pair are familiar with facing each other on American soil, with the 37-year-old notably prevailing in a five-set epic at the 2021 US Open.
Having reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open this year, as well as the Miami and Cincinnati Masters, Zverev poses a significant threat on this surface and could prove a wise choice of practice partner for Djokovic ahead of his title defense.
When is the draw for the US Open?
The 2024 US Open draw will take place today, Thursday 22 August at 17:00 BST (12:00 ET).
Reigning champions Coco Gauff and Djokovic will find their fates as we close in on the eagerly-anticipated final grand slam of the year.
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