US Open 2022: record prize money, chance for number 23 and a tearful farewell
The US Open 2022 will start in a few days. A tournament that will provide highlights on many fronts.
by SID
last edit: Aug 26, 2022, 05:41 pm
The great temptation
The breathtaking flair of the world metropolis New York City, an emotional audience in the world's largest tennis arena and record prize money of 60 million US dollars - the overall package of the US Open is also beguiling for the top stars. From August 29th this year, things will get down to business in Flushing Meadows, with the women's final taking place on September 10th and the men's final a day later.
Missing German stars
Angelique Kerber's announcement of a baby break came as a complete surprise - the long-standing German number one is expecting her first child and decided against the long journey. This means that the best German professionals are missing for both men and women, because Alexander Zverev was reasonable and did not immediately put a maximum load on his ankle. For the second in the world rankings, the tournament comes too early after his severe ligament injury.
An emotional farewell
For Serena Williams, the last curtain falls on the really big tennis stage. The 40-year-old exceptional athlete was able to raise the trophy six times - it hardly seems possible that it will work again and thus with Grand Slam title number 24. What is certain, however, is that the performances of the former world number ones will be a spectacle - and in the end, great emotions are guaranteed. Williams will start against Danka Kovinic from Montenegro.
The chance of number 23
Rafael Nadal has already triumphed four times in New York, and now the tireless Spaniard wants to make history again. In the absence of Novak Djokovic, who does not meet the official requirements without being vaccinated and officially canceled his participation on Thursday, the 36-year-old has the chance to follow the victory at the Australian Open with a second big coup this year. Nadal is serving at the US Open for the first time since 2019, when he won - on his return he meets Australian Rinky Hijikata in the first round. But the Russian Daniil Medvedev in particular, last year's winner and not at Wimbledon due to the sanctions, has something against it. There is no clear top favorite among women. Last year, the British Emma Raducanu caused a sensation.
German hopefuls
Without Zverev and Kerber, the prospects for very big matches with German participation in the Arthur Ashe Stadium or the Louis Armstrong Stadium have become significantly worse. Oscar Otte, as world number 41. German number two behind Zverev, got fit in time after meniscus surgery, but has a difficult task ahead of him right at the start against Hubert Hurkacz (Poland / No. 8). Wimbledon quarter-finalist Jule Niemeier has good prerequisites, she has to deal with Sofia Kenin (USA), Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria with the Greek world number three Maria Sakkari.