Although it is the Cincinnati Open that is currently underway, in reality, both this and the Canadian Open act as high-level preparation for the main US event of the tennis calendar: the US Open.
Starting later this month, it promises to be a blockbuster event, promising the largest purse in tennis history for the players involved across both the ATP and WTA.
Not only is glory on the line, but a remarkable financial boost too, which could incentivise plenty of players to bring out their best.
There are plenty of favourites to claim the title, and for the rest of the draw, it is about seeing what damage they can do to the big hitters.
Players like Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka have made it a bit of a habit of upsetting these elite-level stars throughout their playing days, and despite both reaching the twilight of their careers, they have been greeted with some phenomena news ahead of the US Open.
Tennis fans delighted as US Open announce wild cards
Releasing the wild cards, there has been much scrutiny throughout the year over the decision-making behind this tournament initiative at numerous events.
The French Open was one particular tournament which commanded huge frustration, when seven of their eight male singles picks were French. For whatever reason, Roland Garros had not given Thiem a wild card, omitting him from the discussion.
The Austrian, who reached the final of the event in 2020, has garnered a cult hero status given his injury turmoil throughout his career.
However, in what will be his final year on tour, the US Open have not denied him or Wawrinka that privilege, including both them and Naomi Osaka in the women’s draw.
Tennis fans are suitably excited by the news…
One supporter sought to use this as an opportunity to bash Roland Garros for snubbing Thiem, writing: ‘They in fact gave four past champions a wildcard! US Open may not have a live draw but at least they show respect for their champions. They’re not like Roland Garros who only care about promoting local players.’
Another was delighted with the decision: ‘Finally, both definitely deserve to get recognized for their achievements and long/illustrious careers’.
Dominic Thiem deserves this more than anybody
As has been combed over above, Thiem’s inclusion seems to have brought about the most joy after he was so brutally overlooked in Paris.
He may have endured a truly terrible year of tennis, riddled with poor form and injury struggles, but his commitment to the sport cannot be overlooked.
A Grand Slam champion with 17 ATP titles to his name, and a former world number three as well, the 30-year-old has always been a remarkable tennis player who never seemed to get any luck.
However, against the Big Three he very rarely ever needed it, boasting a 16-18 record against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer combined. This 47% win rate remains the highest of any alternative player against them.
Few will forget his fine 2020 season in a hurry, and even if his run in New York is short-lived, he deserves to be lauded as the hero that he is, in what will be his final appearance there.
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