Tennis

The upcoming US Open promises thrilling matchups, including the highly anticipated clash between Jelena Ostapenko and Naomi Osaka. Despite their contrasting personalities, both players share a common trait: their ability to dominate opponents and produce unpredictable results.Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, has had a mixed summer, reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals but losing early in Toronto. Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam winner, has also experienced ups and downs, nearly defeating Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros but losing to a lower-ranked player in Cincinnati.Their only previous meeting, in 2016 at Roland Garros, saw Osaka prevail in two close sets. However, Ostapenko's recent form and slightly higher win count this season suggest she may have the edge this time.Another intriguing matchup is between Jannik Sinner and Mackenzie McDonald. Sinner, the top seed, faces questions about his mindset after revelations of positive drug tests. However, he has expressed relief at having the ordeal behind him and may play more freely.McDonald, an American, has a strong two-handed backhand and has pushed Sinner to three sets in the past. The crowd support for McDonald could make this a competitive match, but Sinner's power and experience should ultimately prevail.Tommy Paul, the third-highest-ranked American man, faces a tough first-round opponent in Lorenzo Sonego. Sonego recently won a title in Winston-Salem without dropping a set, while Paul has been recovering from the Olympics.Paul will have the crowd advantage, but Sonego's powerful forehand could be a factor if the court plays fast. However, Paul's recovery time and Sonego's potential fatigue from his recent title run may give Paul the edge.

Reilly Opelka's remarkable journey from injury-stricken rehab buddy to Infosys Hall of Fame Open quarterfinalist is a testament to his resilience and the power of friendship. During his nearly two-year hiatus from tennis, Opelka found solace in the support of fellow American Mackenzie McDonald, who had endured similar struggles with a torn hamstring.McDonald's unwavering support during Opelka's darkest days left a lasting impression. "He came down to my house just to hang out with me for a few days on his time off, just to check in on me," Opelka recalled. "That's just the kind of guy that Mackie is."Now, reunited in Newport, both players are thriving. Opelka defeated McDonald in a hard-fought quarterfinal, showcasing his signature serve that produced 27 aces. Despite being the lowest-ranked semifinalist in the ATP era, Opelka is playing with newfound freedom and confidence."These guys don't want to lose to a guy who hasn't played in two years," Opelka said. "So I'm playing with house money and it allows me to be a little bit more free."Opelka's injury woes began in 2022 with a benign tumor removal surgery. A subsequent wrist injury derailed his comeback attempt, requiring two surgeries. The setbacks forced him to confront the possibility of retirement."I was ready to pivot," Opelka admitted. "But I'm pretty confident I'll land on my feet."However, Opelka's love for tennis prevailed. He has embraced his second chance, winning over top seed Adrian Mannarino and Constant Lestienne in Newport. Next up is 19-year-old Alex Michelsen, who reminds Opelka of Taylor Fritz.Opelka plans to continue his comeback at Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati before returning to Grand Slam play at the US Open. His protected ranking will allow him to compete in his first major since Wimbledon two years ago.Opelka's journey is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, friendship and determination can pave the way for triumph.