Djokovic will face Vietnamese-American player Learner Tien in the first round. Tien, ranked 48th in the world, caused a stir at the Australian Open earlier this year, defeating Daniil Medvedev en route to the fourth round.
Djokovic's bracket includes other formidable American players. His potential third-round opponent could be Alex Michelsen, followed by Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round, and Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals.
If both perform well, Djokovic and Alcaraz will meet in the semifinals. Alcaraz will also face home-country players in the early rounds, including "serving machine" Reilly Opelka in the first round, and potentially Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz's half also includes former champion Medvedev and 2022 runner-up Casper Ruud.
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Alcaraz (right) congratulates Djokovic after their Australian Open quarterfinal match in January 2025 at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. Photo: Reuters |
Alcaraz (right) congratulates Djokovic after their Australian Open quarterfinal match in January 2025 at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. Photo: Reuters
Defending champion Jannik Sinner benefited most from the August 21 draw. The top seed, who retired from the Cincinnati Open final due to physical issues, will start against world number 87 Vit Kopriva. His first real challenge could come in the second round against Alexei Popyrin, who defeated Djokovic in the third round last year.
If he plays to his potential, Sinner could face fifth seed Jack Draper in the quarterfinals and third seed Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. Zverev faces a tough first-round opponent in Alejandro Tabilo of Chile.
The first round features several other intriguing matchups. Holger Rune will play Botic Van de Zandschulp, who defeated Alcaraz in straight sets in the third round last year. Power hitters Alexander Bublik and Marin Cilic will face off, while Sebastian Korda and Cameron Norrie, both returning from injuries, will also meet.
In the women's singles, top seed Aryna Sabalenka will face Rebeka Masarova in the first round. The Belarusian player is in the same quarterfinal bracket as Jasmine Paolini and the same semifinal bracket as Jessica Pegula. In the other half, Iga Swiatek could face her Wimbledon final opponent, Amanda Anisimova, in the quarterfinals.
American hopes Coco Gauff and Madison Keys could clash in the quarterfinals, while 45-year-old Venus Williams marks her US Open return against 11th seed Karolina Muchova in the first round.
The 2025 US Open main draw starts on 24/8. This year's tournament boasts a record-breaking prize pool of USD 90 million, with USD 5 million going to each of the men's and women's singles champions.
Vy Anh
