Top Tennis Pros Gear Up for NYC

The best tennis pros in the world are ready to hit the courts at the Big Apple during the 2024 US Open. Playing with passion and armed with the latest tennis gear on the market, these professionals from both the WTA and ATP will demonstrate their talent at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.  Naturally, their dream is to hoist the championship trophy high above their head on center court, after a dramatic final. However, they’ll have to play a lot of tennis before they get to that point.

They’ll also need to coax the anticipated 750,000 audacious fans in attendance to get behind them. After all, a  New York crowd can determine a match’s outcome with cheers or jeers before it even starts.

So who are the players to watch? Who’s expected to win the whole kit and caboodle? And what does the competitive landscape look like at this year’s Open? In this blog post, we’ll look at the front runners, dark horses, and some of the equipment that will assist them in their quest for this coveted title.

WTA Tennis Pros to Watch

First up is Coco Gauff. Talk about a player who lays it all on the court. Coco has experienced success at the US Open in 2017 at the age of 14.  She made it through to the finals of the girls’ singles championship before losing to Amanda Anisimova. But that didn’t stop her from becoming the youngest finalist in US Open history.  A few months later she went on to win her first title at the junior 2018 French Open where she defeated fellow American Caty McNally.

Tennis pro Coco Gauff

Fast-forward a few years and you’ll find the quicker, craftier Coco. Hot off her recent victory at the Western and Southern Open, the 19-year-old defeated Karolina Muchova in the finals 6-3, 6-4.  She also beat No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semis during a nail-biting three-setter.  Coco is seeded No. 6 at this year’s US Open and is expected to go far. She endorses Head and wears New Balance tennis apparel, along with her signature shoes, which are also by New Balance. I wouldn’t be surprised if she took home the trophy!

More High-Ranked Females

Also in the main draw on the women’s side is Aryna Sabalenka. This 25-year-old is on fire. If she can keep her wits about her, and get her first serve in, she will give any opponent a run for their money. While Aryna doesn’t hold the record for the most double faults, she’s up there with 207, just this year. Still, this lady plays with passion. She also plays with Wilson and is dressed in Nike from head to toe.

Tennis Pro Aryna Sabalenka

A few ladies are sitting out this US Open. Paula Badosa and Bianca Andreescu withdrew due to injuries. Simona Halep was dropped from the entry list because of a provisional doping suspension, and Naomi Osaka is enjoying time with her daughter who was born last month.

Elena Rybakina, Victoria Azarenka, and Ons Jabeur are expected to wow the crowd and I predict the dark horse will be Elina Svitolina.

ATP Tennis Pros to Watch

Carlos Alcaraz’s athletic DNA is off the charts! This 20-year-old is redefining the game of tennis. His passion, along with his performance is expected to surpass last year’s ability when he defeated Casper Ruud in the finals during a 3-hour and 20-minute match.

Since then Carolos has won six titles and soared to No. 1 in the world. He will defend his title and face some solid opponents including Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner, Grigor Dimitrov, and Holger Rune.  He’ll be armed with a powerful stick, the Babolat Pure Aero, and wearing technologically advanced shoes and apparel by Nike. (These items are in stock but they go fast so act accordingly).    Tennis pro Carlos Alcaraz

Another fierce contender is the Serbian superstar, Novak Djokovic. Nola, as he’s nicknamed, will be looking for his 24th Major Title wearing Lacoste and playing with Head. To say this man is up for the challenge would be an understatement. Undoubtedly, he will have a number of roadblocks on his way to the finals including Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, and Casper Ruud.

Tennis Pro Novak Djokovic

ATP American Pro’s

There are 19 Americans hungry for victory on their homeland’s soil. Many are on the precipice of a major breakthrough like Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Taylor Fritz.  Taylor is seeded No. 9 at the US Open and still beaming with confidence after claiming the title in Atlanta mid-July. If he can contain his backhand, and remain patient, he’ll have nothing but opportunity in NYC.  As far as dark horses go, American pro Christopher Eubanks would be my first pick. Earlier this summer he won his first title in Mallorca. Granted it was on grass and the US Open is played on hard courts, but his performance was undeniable. Christopher plays with Tecnifibre and wears Asics shoes and apparel.
Up and comer Chris Eubanks
Likewise, Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima should not be discounted. Both have had some intense battles holding a Yonex racquet in their hands. While Ben hustles across the court in Roger Pros by On, Brandon will be showcasing the new Fila US Open collection, which is one of the most stylish on the court.  American tennis pro veteran John Isner announced this will be his last tournament of his 16-year career. John is set to retire at the conclusion of this US Open. He holds the record for the longest match in tennis history, taking place at the 2010 Wimbledon. It lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes and was spread out over three days. By the way, John did win that match. 

Watch the US Open on ESPN and Tennis Channel and shop TennisExpress.com for your favorite players’ gear today!

 


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