US experts predict US Open champions: Favoring Bald Alcaraz, Sabalenka edges out Swiatek!

Tonight Beijing time marks the final day of the first round at the US Open. As usual, before each Grand Slam, the expert panel from the American magazine "Tennis" votes on the favorites and spotlight players. Who did the experts pick this year?

Men's Singles Champion

Alcaraz: 6 votes

Sinner: 3 votes

Fritz: 1 vote (to beat Sinner in the final)

Shelton: 1 vote (to defeat Draper in the final)

Zverev: 1 vote (to overcome Alcaraz in the final)

Regarding the men's singles final, Alcaraz and Sinner received the majority of votes. Alcaraz leads Sinner because, first, Sinner’s withdrawal in the Cincinnati Masters final raised doubts about the defending champion's fitness; second, considering the past two years where these two stars have split Grand Slam titles, it seems Alcaraz is due to win this US Open; third, no man has successfully defended the US Open singles title in nearly sixteen years, which remains a looming challenge.

Among the remaining three votes, some back Fritz to defeat Sinner and Zverev to claim the title over Alcaraz. If either can deliver a performance comparable to Del Potro’s in 2009, they indeed have a chance at Flushing Meadows. The scenario of Shelton facing Draper in the final is quite bold from the voters.

Women's Singles Champion

Sabalenka: 6 votes

Swiatek: 5 votes

Gauff: 1 vote (to beat Tauson in the final)

For the women’s singles title, the votes overwhelmingly favor a showdown between former champions Sabalenka and Swiatek. Due to Gauff’s less impressive form since winning the French Open, she only secured one vote, which is somewhat surprising!

Although recent form shows the Polish player, fresh from winning Wimbledon, performing better than the defending champion, Sabalenka still holds a clear edge in the voting over her longtime rival.

Men’s Players to Watch

Shelton: 3 votes

Draper, Djokovic: 2 votes

Fonseca, Rublev, Menchik, Medvedev, Blanch, Svajda: 1 vote each

Among the men to watch, the rising star and recent Masters semifinalist Shelton received notable attention; last year’s semifinalists also earned votes; Djokovic, aiming for his 25th major, naturally remains the central figure just by participating. Popular players Menchik and Fonseca also gathered some votes.

Women’s Players to Watch

Mboko: 4 votes

Naomi Osaka, Navarro: 2 votes each

Andrejeva, Jovic, Sabalenka, Muchova: 1 vote each

On the women’s side, Mboko, who caused an upset by winning Cincinnati, received nearly half the votes but unfortunately was eliminated in the first round. Former champions like Naomi Osaka, predicted by Clijsters to make an impact this year, earned votes alongside local favorites, reflecting popular expectations.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)