The U.S. Open Tennis Championships kick off Monday, September 28, in Flushing Meadows, Queens, and this year’s roster is shaping up to be startlingly light on major tennis talent. Thus far, a total of 6 of the world’s biggest tennis players will not be participating in this year’s tournament. As of this writing, those not taking part on the men’s side due to injury are Andy Murray (#2), Novak Djokovic (#5), Milos Raonic (#11), Kei Nishikori (#10), and Stan Wawrinka (#4). On the women’s side, Serena Williams (#15) is out due to her pregnancy.
The most recent player to withdraw from the U.S. Open was Murray, citing a hip injury. Despite shoring up on rest and medical attention, the three-time Grand Slam champion said this weekend that it wasn’t meant to be: “[I] was actually practicing OK the last few days, but it’s too sore for me to win the tournament, and ultimately, that’s what I was here to try and do. Unfortunately, I won’t be playing here this year.”
Williams, who won her 23rd career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year while about seven to eight weeks pregnant, is due this fall. After the baby is born, Williams wants to return to professional tennis, telling Vanity Fair in June, “I don’t think my story is over yet.”
U.S. Open 2017: A Nadal vs. Federer Repeat?
With so many top-tier players out of this year’s U.S. Open, many tennis fans are shaking their heads in disbelief at the possibility of legendary players Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer having such a seemingly smooth path again this year to another Grand Slam title. The year in tennis has already proved to be mind-bogglingly awesome for Nadal and Federer fans, beginning with the two men’s never-thought-it-would-happen-again final match in the Australian Open in January. Federer, 35, won that title, his 18th, and then Nadal brilliantly cruised through the French Open in May and won his 15th (and record-setting 10th career French Open). (Federer didn’t play in this year’s French Open.)
Then, of course, came #19 for Federer, at Wimbledon, his 8th at that tournament. In just a few short weeks, could Federer once again cement his GOAT status for seemingly the millionth time with a title win at the U.S. Open? He spoke to CNN earlier this week about his wild year: “That would be a joke, if I won three slams this year out of nowhere… Winning two is already pretty crazy and plenty good enough for me. I’ll definitely try and get myself organized, prepared, and ready so that I’ll have the best chance to do well at the U.S. Open.”
Because they’re in the same half of the draw, Federer and Nadal will potentially meet in the semifinals. In the meantime, Federer, winner of the most Grand Slam titles ever on the men’s side, is enjoying some pre-tournament downtime and soaking up the sights of New York City, with a few famous friends.
Coverage of the U.S. Open begins Monday, August 28, on ESPN.
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