Carlos Alcaraz to lose No 1 rank and new rules rolled out at US Open

The final Grand Slam of the year will start in New York on Monday. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek will be bidding to defend their titles – and their rankings of world No.1. But what is new at this year’s US Open?

Novak Djokovic is back and is set to return to world No.1 – and wants New York support

The three-time champion was banned from entering the USA last year after refusing the Covid 19 vaccine. He is guaranteed to go back to the top of the rankings above Carlos Alcaraz by beating Alexandre Muller tonight.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner, who broke down in tears as his name was chanted during his 2021 final defeat, said: “What I felt from the crowd, that kind of connection and love and support that they gave me throughout entire match and also in the closing ceremony, was something that I carry still in my heart, and I still feel vibes from that night of the finals two years ago. I will try to use that for this year’s tournament.”

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And Caroline Wozniacki is also making her New York comeback

The two-time finalist retired in 2020 but the former world No.1 is making her Grand Slam comeback aged 33 after playing two WTA events

The 2018 Australian Open champion, who is now a mother of two, said: It’s really great to be back here at the US Open and to have the opportunity to play here one more time. It’s pretty special. I have great memories here. I love playing here in front of the fans on these courts. I didn’t think three years ago that I was going to be here, so this is awesome. Really excited about it.”

VAR challenges

Players will have three challenges each set to dispute controversial decisions such as double bounces or hindrance calls. The umpire can then review the decision on a tablet at the chair while fans can also judge on the big on-court screens.

The new football-style technology – in addition to the electronic line-calling in New York – will only be available this year on the five biggest courts at Flushing Meadows.

British No.1 Cam Norrie said: “I think it is great. If you have that, you might as well use it. I think there are always one or two incidents. You will be able to use it if there is a double bounce. It doesn’t happen too often but it would be nice to have it for all courts. I don’t know the cost but it will be nice because it will be fair. People are obviously going to make mistakes so it will be nice to have that option.”

New, heavier balls

The US Open is no longer the only Major to have different balls in the for the two singles competitions with the women now using the heavier Wilson balls used by the men.

Emma Raducanu benefitted from the lighter balls when winning the title in 2021.

British No.7 Lily Miyazaki said: “From this year, we’re both using the extra duty balls, which are a bit heavier. It suits some players and for me it’s worked so I’m happy. We used them in college and it has helped me whereas obviously up until last year with the regular duty balls, I wasn’t able to really control it or feel the ball really well.”

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Carlos Alcaraz will defend a Major title

The Spaniard became the youngest world No.1 when he won here last year in Djokovic’s absence – and then beat the Serb in the Wimbledon final.

And Alcaraz, now 20, has warned he is now even better after winning a Tour-leading six titles this year.

The Wimbledon champion said: “I feel that I’m more mature on court. I feel that I’m a better player than I was a year ago. I got my first Grand Slam last year, but I feel like I’m more mature and I’m better.”

Coco Gauff is the home favourite

A year after Serena Williams’ emotional retirement, the American teenager has won two of her last three events after appointing Andy Murray’s former coach Brad Gilbert and Pere Riba to her team after her first round defeat at Wimbledon.

The world No.6 had lost seven consecutive matches to Iga Swiatek without winning a set before beating the world No.1 on her way to the Cincinnati Masters title.

The American, still 19, said: “August has been a great month for me. I’m really excited to go into the rest of this month. Hopefully a little bit into September, as well.”

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