- U.S. Open under scrutiny: what truly takes the limelight in this tournament
The organizers of the US Open celebrate Jannik Sinner's wining pose. Alongside Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner is highlighted as a standout title contender on the tournament's official website. Yet, the vibe leading up to the last Grand Slam event of the year isn't exactly cheerful. The acquittal of the world's number one player following two positive doping tests steals the limelight in the tennis sphere. Here's what you need to know about the US Open commencing on Monday:
What role will the Sinner situation play in the tournament?
In terms of his on-court performance, Sinner should be unaffected. As the tournament's leading seed, he's in prime position. Following two positive tests for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, in March and a provisional suspension, Sinner was cleared by an independent court, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). His explanation of unknowingly ingesting the banned substance through a massage was deemed credible.
Right before the US Open, Sinner clinched the title at the Masters-1000 tournament in Cincinnati, further solidifying his position as a contender in New York. However, the popular athlete with the squeaky-clean image will now face increased scrutiny, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) holding onto the right to assess the situation further.
What are Zverev's chances of claiming his first Grand Slam victory?
At best, he's an outsider. In Cincinnati, Zverev, the world's number four, was forced to retire against Sinner in three sets. Last year, Zverev triumphed over Sinner in a thrilling five-set match at the US Open but then succumbed to Alcaraz in the final. Neither of the men's tournament favorites begins in New York without reservations - Djokovic has yet to play a hardcourt event since his Olympic gold win in Paris, and Alcaraz bowed out early in Cincinnati.
What are the prospects for German players?
The German contingent's outlook is less than promising, not only since Kerber's Olympic retirement. As the highest-ranked player, Tatjana Maria enters the tournament at world number 87. Even reaching the first round would be considered a success for former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Jule Niemeier, who appears to have overcome a recent low point in her career. Currently, German women's tennis trails behind favorites like Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus, world number one Iga Swiatek from Poland, and 2023 champion Coco Gauff from the USA.
Where can fans watch the US Open?
Unfortunately, German spectators will need to pay to watch the tournament. The tournament will be broadcast on both Sky and Sportdeutschland.TV. Sportdeutschland.TV has held the broadcasting rights since 2023 and has granted a sublicense to Sky for the first time. A full tournament pass on Sportdeutschland.TV costs 20 euros, while a single match costs 5 euros. Tennis legend Boris Becker will provide commentary alongside Matthias Stach from a German studio.
Recent questionable umpiring decisions have spurred renewed debate about the use of video replay in tennis. "It's shameful that we don't have this technological aid," famously expressed superstar Djokovic just days ago. The US Open was the first Grand Slam tournament to introduce video replay last year. In this edition, players can request a review on eight courts to determine, for example, if a ball has bounced twice. Measures have also been put in place to ensure matches during the Night Session don't extend past 11:15 PM local time - if a match hasn't started by then, it can be moved to another court.
Other players might find themselves under scrutiny due to the focus on doping in the tennis sphere following the acquittal of the world's number one player. The other players' situations will be closely monitored, particularly by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Despite Sinner's win at the Masters-1000 tournament in Cincinnati, the other standout title contenders in the US Open might capitalize on the increased attention on Sinner's situation, potentially enhancing their chances of winning.
