Tracy Austin, a respected analyst for Tennis Channel, has made bold predictions for the upcoming 2024 US Open, tipping Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz as the likely champions in the women’s and men’s singles, respectively.
Austin, speaking during a US Open preview show at the Edge at Hudson Yards, expressed particular excitement for the women’s draw, calling it “unpredictable” and “wide open for the taking.” Among the contenders, she highlighted several players who have been making significant strides this summer.
“Shoutout to Paula Badosa, former world No. 2,” Austin noted. “I’m putting her in the mix, again, because she’s playing so well.” Badosa, who has battled injuries this year, is now regaining her form, making her a player to watch.
Austin also pointed to Amanda Anisimova as a dark horse for the tournament. After taking time off the tour, Anisimova has returned to form and is now ranked inside the Top 40. “She beat Kasatkina, Sabalenka, beat Navarro, went three sets with Pegula, and I think she’s somebody that nobody wants to see in their draw,” Austin remarked. She emphasized Anisimova’s powerful serve and groundstrokes, which have restored her confidence on the court.
Another American player on Austin’s radar is Danielle Collins, who is competing in her final US Open. Despite never advancing past the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, Collins has had a strong year, climbing back into the Top 10 from outside the Top 50. “I think she’s the type of player who’s going to use this moment,” Austin commented. She believes that if Collins can gain momentum early in the tournament and harness the energy of the New York crowd, she has the potential to make a deep run.
However, when it came to her overall predictions, Austin confidently backed Aryna Sabalenka to triumph in the women’s draw. Sabalenka has had a stellar year, and Austin believes she has what it takes to claim the title.
On the men’s side, Austin’s pick is Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish sensation who has captivated audiences with his dynamic play. “I love watching him play,” Austin said. “He hits a shot and he’s like ‘Woah,’ and the fans are like ‘Woah,’ and he’s like ‘Wow, I hit that.’ He’s so exciting.”
With the US Open just around the corner, Tracy Austin’s insights add to the anticipation surrounding the final Grand Slam of the year, where the world’s best will compete for glory on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Now the world no.2, Aryna played her last match on the 19th of August when she overcame world no.6 Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-5 in the final in Cincinnati to win her 15th career title.
Presently, during this year Sabalenka achieved an overall 39-11 match record. Aryna has won 2 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open and Cincinnati. Sabalenka was the finalist in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will fight against the world no.323 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their record is 3-2 for Kvitova.
Aryna has won 2 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open and Cincinnati. Sabalenka got to the final in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Aryna won 15 titles in her career: 11 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Ranked world no.3, the Spaniard played his last match on the 16th of August when he lost to world no.45 Gael Monfils 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 in the 2nd round in Cincinnati (draw).
Currently, during this year Carlos has managed to achieve a 38-8 win-loss record. Alcaraz conquered 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. Alcaraz was the finalist in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will face the world no.346 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . They have never competed against each other until now on the main tour.
Alcaraz clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. Carlos got to the final in Paris (Olympics).
Alcaraz won 16 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz |
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