US Open 2022!

It’s the final slam of the year – get ready for the US Open 2022!

Flushing Meadows will once again host some of the tennis greats and rising superstars as the main draw of the US Open starts on the 29th August 2022.

We’ll be treated to the final ladies’ showdown on 10th September and the men’s final on 11th September.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York City, has hosted this prestigious Grand Slam since 1978. The arena boasts 22 outdoor courts along with the feature courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand, and Court 17. The Arthur Ashe stadium is in fact the largest tennis stadium in the world hosting 23 771 people!

So, what happened last year?

Daniil Medvedev claimed his first ever Grand Slam title, beating Novak Djokovic 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 in last year’s US Open final. Will he do it again? He has a great chance as it looks like 2022 Wimbledon champ Djokovic won’t be allowed into the USA, following rules around vaccinations.
Emma Raducanu was last year’s ladies’ title winner. Winning her first Grand Slam at age 18, she produced a fairytale run, claiming 10 matches in a row without dropping a set.

The men’s doubles was won by American Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury from Great Britain with Australian Samantha Stosur and Zhang Shuai from China taking the women’s doubles titles. Salisbury doubled up as he also won the mixed doubles alongside Desirae Krawczyk from the United States.

Who should we look out for this year?

With Djokovic out (unless rules suddenly change) and Zverev still to be confirmed, there’s an interesting men’s lineup to look out for this year.

World No 1 Daniil Medvedev is the top seed. Hot on his heels are Nadal, Alcaraz, Tsitsipas, Djokovic, Ruud, Auger-Aliassime, Norrie and Hurkacz. Controversial Kyrgios is seeded 25, but will be sure to be giving the top 10 a run for their money.
Fresh from winning the Western & Southern Open is Borna Coric, who will be looking to make a big comeback after setbacks from injury.

In the ladies’ draw, world No 1 Iga Swiatek will have all eyes on her followed by top seeds Kontaveit, Sakkari, Badosa, Jabeur, Sabalenka, Halep, Pegula, Muguruza, and Kasatkina. Let’s not forget about Wimbledon 2022 winner Rybakina! Plus, Caroline Garcia is not to be counted out following her recent win at Cincinnati.

Serena’s final moment

It’s with much sadness that tennis legend Serena Williams recently announced her retirement. The six-time US Open champion will make her 21st main draw appearance and her last at Flushing Meadows.

Will she be able to claim one last Grand Slam title? If she does it will bring her count to 24 – level with Margaret Court, who holds the record for most grand slam titles. However, win or lose, it’s undeniable that Serena is certainly the greatest of all time!

In true American fashion, the lineup is dramatic and the battles ahead are sure to thrill us like any Hollywood movie. Who do you think will lift this year’s trophy?