Tennis

Coco Gauff's recent form has raised questions about her chances of defending her US Open title. After winning her maiden Grand Slam last year, Gauff has struggled for consistency in 2024, losing four of her last 10 matches. However, despite these setbacks, Gauff's overall statistics suggest she is still a formidable opponent.In 2023, Gauff had a winning percentage of 76.1%, a hold percentage of 73.4%, and a break percentage of 41.2%. In 2024, her winning percentage has dropped slightly to 74.5%, but her hold percentage remains high at 72.0% and her break percentage has improved to 46.2%. These numbers indicate that Gauff is still playing at a high level.One area of concern for Gauff is her forehand, which has been a weakness throughout her career. She has shown signs of improvement in this area, but she still tends to make unforced errors from that side of the court. Her serving has also been inconsistent, with her double-fault percentage increasing from 5.1% in 2023 to 8.5% in 2024.Despite these concerns, Gauff has a history of performing well at the US Open. She has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open this year and has a strong record against top players. Additionally, the absence of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina from the tournament due to injuries or poor form makes Gauff's chances of winning even more promising.Overall, while Gauff's recent form has been inconsistent, her overall statistics and past performance at the US Open suggest that she is still a contender for the title. Her odds of +650 at FanDuel Sportsbook represent a good value for bettors who believe she can overcome her weaknesses and defend her championship.

Four Former US Open Champions Receive Wild Cards for Flushing MeadowsThe upcoming US Open will witness the return of four former champions, who have been awarded wild cards into the prestigious Grand Slam tournament. Dominic Thiem, Naomi Osaka, Stan Wawrinka, and Bianca Andreescu will join the star-studded field at Flushing Meadows, bringing with them a wealth of experience and past success.Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, will make his final Grand Slam appearance at his beloved Flushing Meadows. The 30-year-old Austrian announced his retirement in May, citing persistent injuries. His triumph in 2020 was a remarkable feat, as he rallied from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev in a thrilling final played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Osaka, another former US Open champion, will be eager to rediscover her winning form in New York. The four-time major winner has struggled for consistency in recent times but recently returned to the Top 100. She will be hoping to improve upon her disappointing performances at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon this year.Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion, is a veteran of the sport at 39 years old. The Swiss star has won three Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career, including his victory over Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows eight years ago. Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, became Canada's first major singles champion with her magical run in New York. She will be looking to recapture that form and challenge for the title once again.In addition to the former champions, several other players have earned wild cards into the US Open. Amanda Anisimova, who won the US Open Wild Card Challenge, will be hoping to build on her impressive runner-up finish in Toronto last week. American players McCartney Kessler, Alexa Noel, Iva Jovic, Chris Eubanks, Learner Tien, Zachary Svajda, and Matthew Forbes have also secured spots.France's Alexandre Muller and Chloe Paquet, along with Australia's Tristan Schoolkate and Taylah Preston, complete the list of wild card recipients. These players were selected as part of reciprocal agreements between the USTA, the FFT, and Tennis Australia.The US Open will take place from August 29th to September 11th at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. With a star-studded field and the return of former champions, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling tennis and unforgettable moments.

Jessica Pegula's 2023 season has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by early exits and injuries. However, her recent title defense at the National Bank Open in Toronto has reignited her hopes for a strong finish to the year.Pegula's struggles began early in the season, with disappointing performances at several tournaments. Injuries forced her to withdraw from Indian Wells, Miami, and Roland Garros, further derailing her momentum.Despite these setbacks, Pegula showed signs of improvement on grass, winning her first title in eight months at the ecotrans Ladies Open. However, she entered the US Open swing with low expectations after a busy schedule that included the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.To her surprise, Pegula hit the ground running in Toronto, reaching her second straight final without dropping a set. She became the first woman since Martina Hingis in 2000 to win both the Montréal and Toronto tournaments."It was definitely a tough week mentally," Pegula said of her Olympic exits. "But to be able to come back the next week and just focus on competing almost helped me. I didn't have time to think about how I was really feeling."Pegula's victory in Toronto was an emotional release for her. "I was able to defend a title I've always done well at, in a place that's somewhat close to home," she said. "It was nice to go through that whole week, play some good tennis when I needed to, and come out on top."Now seeded No. 6 in Cincinnati, Pegula faces a tough opening test against either Karolina Muchova or Dayana Yastremska. Despite the demanding schedule, she is determined to keep pushing until the off-season."I missed a lot of the beginning of the year, so I feel mentally pretty good where some other people might feel more run down," Pegula said. "I'm mentally prepared to grind out the end of the year more than I would be the last few years."With her form and fitness on the rise, it remains to be seen how much better Jessica Pegula's year can get.

Naomi Osaka's recent struggles continued in the Midwest, culminating in a disappointing exit from the Cincinnati Open qualifying tournament. The former world No. 1's woes began even before she arrived in Mason, Ohio, when United Airlines lost her luggage, threatening her participation in the event.Despite the setback, Osaka remained optimistic, expressing her eagerness to compete in Cincinnati and prepare for the upcoming US Open. However, her ranking of No. 95 meant she was not automatically eligible for the main draw and had to play qualifying.In her first qualifying match, Osaka faced Anna Blinkova and emerged victorious in three sets. The win set up a clash with American Ashlyn Krueger, who ultimately proved too strong for the Japanese star. Osaka led 3-1 in the final set but faltered, losing the last five games to bow out of the tournament.Osaka's defeat in Cincinnati highlights her ongoing struggles since returning from maternity leave in 2024. She has repeatedly cited the US Open as her target for a resurgence, but her recent performances have been underwhelming.Despite her setbacks, Osaka remains a formidable opponent, as evidenced by her victory over Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Her "US Open or bust" mentality could provide the motivation she needs to rediscover her best form in time for the season's final Grand Slam.

Daniil Medvedev's US Open preparations suffered a setback as he crashed out in the opening round of the National Bank Open in Canada. The former US Open champion, seeded third, fell to 42nd-ranked Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 1-6, 6-2.Davidovich Fokina, who had never beaten Medvedev before, entered the match with a 0-4 record against the Russian. However, he had defeated Medvedev's doubles partner, Roman Safiullin, in Montreal.The Spaniard, who missed Wimbledon due to a back injury, has been in impressive form this summer, reaching the quarterfinals in Atlanta and the round of 16 in Washington, D.C.Medvedev's defeat was part of a surprising trend in the tournament, with all four seeds in Davidovich Fokina's quarter of the draw being eliminated in the round of 32. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Ugo Humbert, and Karen Khachanov also suffered early exits.Davidovich Fokina will now face Matteo Arnaldi in the second round, with a potential semifinal berth on the line.Medvedev, meanwhile, will continue playing in doubles with Safiullin. The pair advanced to the quarterfinals after winning a 10-point match tiebreaker. Medvedev will then turn his attention to the next Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati.Another prominent player, Tommy Paul, also suffered a first-round defeat, losing to Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-1.However, top seeds Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, and Grigor Dimitrov all advanced in straight sets. Sinner, who withdrew from the Olympic Games due to tonsillitis, defeated Borna Coric 6-2, 6-4.In the women's draw in Toronto, top seed Coco Gauff defeated Yafan Wang 6-4, 6-4. The American was joined in victory by compatriots Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, and Peyton Stearns.

The US Open, the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, is set to offer a record-breaking $75 million in compensation to players, a significant increase of 15% from the previous year. This substantial purse surpasses the prize money offered by other major tennis championships, including Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open.The winners of the men's and women's singles titles will each receive a staggering $3.6 million, a 20% increase from last year's $3 million. However, this amount still falls short of the pre-pandemic payout of $3.85 million awarded to the 2019 champions.The total compensation includes expenses for players, and every round of the main draw and qualifying has seen an increase. First-round losers in the 128-person brackets for women's and men's singles will receive $100,000 each, a significant jump from $81,500 in 2023 and $58,000 in 2019.Doubles champions will also benefit from the increased prize money, with each team receiving $750,000, up from $700,000 last year.The US Open's commitment to player compensation reflects the tournament's status as one of the most prestigious and lucrative events in tennis. The increased prize money is expected to attract top players and enhance the overall quality of the competition.Play in the main draws for singles begins on August 26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and concludes with the women's final on September 7 and the men's final on September 8.

Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1 tennis player, has opened up about her struggles with self-worth and the emotional toll of her 2018 US Open victory. In an interview on the Tennis Insider Club podcast, Osaka revealed that she was deeply affected by the negative fan reaction to her win, which was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Serena Williams' code violations."I went on social media the night after I won," Osaka said. "I was reading a lot of people saying that I didn't deserve to win. I remember I started crying a lot."Osaka's victory was marred by multiple code violations against Williams, which led to a hostile atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The crowd booed Osaka during the trophy ceremony, causing her to hide her face behind her visor."Honestly, I never really processed it well," Osaka said. "I just ignored it and kept moving on with my life."Osaka believes that her inability to process the emotional turmoil of her US Open victory contributed to her breakdown at the 2021 Roland Garros, where she withdrew from the tournament after refusing to participate in post-match press conferences."I didn't see the worth I had as a human outside of tennis," Osaka said. "I would lose a match and feel like my life is meaningless, like the only value I had was winning."Osaka's time away from tennis has helped her to develop a healthier perspective on her career and her life outside of the sport. She is now a mother to daughter Shai and believes that her break from tennis was crucial for her mental health."I needed to learn how to live in the real world," Osaka said. "The athlete's life span is so short, it's not like I'm going to be playing tennis forever."Osaka's journey for self-worth is a reminder of the importance of mental health in sports. It is a story of resilience, growth, and the realization that there is more to life than winning and losing.

Marvel and US Open Team Up for Epic Tennis-Themed Comic BookIn a groundbreaking collaboration, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has partnered with Marvel to create an exclusive comic book featuring the world's top tennis stars as superheroes. The comic book will be distributed during the 2024 US Open Fan Week, coinciding with the tournament's theme, "Celebrating the Power of Tennis."The tennis-themed Avengers-style crossover will feature the likes of Naomi Osaka, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Aryna Sabalenka, Ben Shelton, Sloane Stephens, and Nick Kyrgios. These tennis legends will join forces with iconic Marvel superheroes to fight for the power of tennis."This collaboration not only elevates the on-site experience for fans but also strengthens the power of this year's theme, with tennis' top stars and Marvel Super Heroes 'Celebrating the Power of Tennis' together," said Nicole Kankam, USTA Managing Director, Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment.The comic book will be available to fans who have signed up for the US Open's Fan Access Pass. Additionally, 1,500 free copies will be distributed each day during US Open Fan Week (August 19-23). The remaining copies will be given away over the weekend during Arthur Ashe Kids' Day (August 24-25)."Marvel is a window to the world, with New York serving as the setting for so many of Marvel's epic stories," added Jon Harris, CEO of AthLife. "With the US Open's identity as a marquee New York City event, it was a natural for these two iconic brands to come together with some of the world's best tennis players to deliver a fun story showcasing the power of tennis for the fans."The comic book is a testament to the growing popularity of tennis and its ability to inspire and entertain. By partnering with Marvel, the USTA aims to reach a wider audience and promote the sport to a new generation of fans.

Tennis has captivated the hearts of individuals from all walks of life, transcending age and skill levels. Dustin Fox, a former Ohio State football star and renowned sportscaster, is a testament to the allure of this timeless sport.Fox's journey into the world of tennis began as a mere curiosity, a way to satisfy his competitive spirit. However, the game quickly ignited a passion within him, transforming into a beloved hobby that consumes his free time.As Fox immersed himself in the sport, his admiration for the pro players grew. He marveled at the strategic brilliance of Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils, while also appreciating the flamboyant style of Benoit Paire and Corentin Moutet.Fox's love for tennis extends beyond the court. He avidly follows the professional circuit, drawing inspiration from the triumphs and setbacks of the game's elite. He sees parallels between his own sporting endeavors and the challenges faced by tennis players, particularly in the mental fortitude required to overcome adversity.In 2023, Fox experienced the electrifying atmosphere of the US Open firsthand. During a memorable night match, he became an unwitting participant in a viral moment when he enthusiastically cheered for underdog Sebastian Baez against eventual finalist Daniil Medvedev.Fox's passion for tennis is not merely a pastime; it has become an integral part of his life. He enjoys the camaraderie of the tennis community and takes pride in his daughter's burgeoning high school tennis career.Fox's story serves as a reminder that tennis is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or background. It offers a unique blend of physical challenge, mental acuity, and social interaction, making it an enduring source of joy and fulfillment.