The Men’s US Open got underway last week and with Novak Djokovic missing the competition after being denied entry to the US as he is not vaccinated against Covid-19, there are many players hoping to capitalise on his absence with the Serbian likely to have been one of the pre-tournament favourites.
The reigning champion of the US Open, Daniil Medvedev will be desperate to retain his title and is the pre-tournament favourite according to Paddy Power’s US Open odds at 23/10.
Medvedev was forced to miss Wimbledon due to a ban on all Russian players from the event, and that will only fuel his drive to win further, as the current World Number One defeated Djokovic in last year’s final and with the Serb absent, would be disappointed not to repeat the victory feat.
The Russian is very composed on the court but can play at a higher tempo when required, his skillset is certainly one of the most well-rounded in the Tennis World being able to use patience to tire his opponent or aggression to quickly tire his opposition when necessary.
He brings not only exceptional physical ability but also a top mental game, with a remarkable ability to always make the right decisions in the right moments and so it is difficult to see a winner of the competition that isn’t him.
However, some slight outsiders include iconic player Rafael Nadal, whose ability is widely acknowledged around the world not just to tennis fans, Nadal is offered at 4/1 in Paddy Power’s tennis betting.
The Spaniard is in excellent form having already picked up Australian and French Open wins this year, the former came against Medvedev and could perhaps be a hint of a repeat upset over the next few weeks.
Nick Kyrgios is a player that has drastically risen up the rankings over the past year and split audiences while doing so, some admire his laid-back attitude to the game and others feel he lacks professionalism.
Regardless, it could be Kyrgios’ time in the US, as he made the final in Wimbledon earlier this summer and was beaten by Djokovic and similarly to Medvedev, may feel his toughest opponent is out of the way.
The Australian brings an aggressive style to the court which can put his opponents under immense pressure, although if things do not go to plan Kyrgios can struggle to maintain his composure and instead of fighting his way back into games he often allows them to slip further away.
There is no doubt overall that Kyrgios is a young player that is constantly improving and the mental aspects of his game will only improve over time. With the correct attitude and mentality, the Aussie truly has the potential to be a future World Number One and legend of the sport.
If Kyrgios can gather some momentum in the opening few weeks and get the crowd behind him, the possibilities are endless as tournaments like the US Open could truly make his career. If he does, it really could be the start of a Nick Kyrgios era.