Sports11 September, 20262 min read
Sinner Out, Alcaraz Returns as Sabalenka Struggles Ahead of US Open in New York
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Jannik Sinner withdraws from the US Open, opening the men's field. Carlos Alcaraz returns to competition at the US Open.
US Open opens up
With Jannik Sinner out, Carlos Alcaraz back, and Aryna Sabalenka struggling, the US Open “feels truly open again,” according to AP from New York. AP said the tournament begins Sunday, with Pegula in Arthur Ashe Stadium’s opening match and Djokovic leading off the night session before Venus Williams, at 46, faces Sofia Kenin. AP reported Alcaraz was sidelined since April with a right wrist injury and decided last week he was ready to return after missing four months.
AP also quoted Frances Tiafoe saying, “Still got to beat seven guys however way you slice it.” BBC framed the women’s race as a fight to stay No 1, saying Sabalenka goes into the US Open with a 17-7 win-loss record since the Miami triumph and with 2,000 points to defend at Flushing Meadows.
Sabalenka’s No. 1 mission
BBC said Sabalenka’s lead at the top has narrowed after a difficult period, noting that Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina trails by only 434 and that Sabalenka must win again to extend her 99-week run as world number one.
BBC quoted Sabalenka in New York saying, "Absolutely. These tough lessons are definitely going to make me way, way stronger and working even harder."
AP described the women’s side as having its own questions, with No. 3 Jessica Pegula saying, “there’s not one or two super dominant players where you feel like they have to lose in order for you to have a chance.”
AP added that Sabalenka’s summer swoon threatens her place at the top, and that the top spot could be in reach for multiple women.
BBC also pointed to a specific pressure problem, saying Sabalenka’s mental focus disappearing in less pressurised situations was “most recently apparent” in her Cincinnati Open fourth-round defeat by 20-year-old Sara Bejlek.
Injuries reshape the field
AP said injuries have given other players opportunities, with Alex de Minaur describing “a lot of uncertainty” and “a lot of different opportunities being up for grabs.” AP quoted Daniil Medvedev pointing to players such as Zverev and Arthur Fils as those who see a better chance, saying, “we have a better chance without Jannik and maybe Carlos not 100% yet.” AP reported Djokovic exited the Cincinnati tournament in his first match and afterward mentioned an unspecified health problem that bothers him in the heat, which could make it difficult for the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion to make another lengthy run in New York at 39.
BBC said Sabalenka’s US Open test is also about history, with the Belarusian aiming to become only the first woman since Serena Williams from 2012-14 to win three straight US Open titles. AP closed by noting that play begins Sunday in Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Djokovic and Venus Williams, at 46, opening the night session.