Sports Then and Now

Wimbledon may well be in its primary stages and understandably, all participants’ attentions will be firmly set on the All England Club but the fourth and final major of the year will be next on the agenda. The US Open is set for its 139^th edition in August, as Flushing Meadows gets set to host the prestigious event whereby the world’s best players will all compete for a place in US Open folklore.

The favorites for the men’s singles title contain some familiar names as well as a few surprise picks, but their Wimbledon performances will hold plenty of bearing on how their odds shape up nearer the time. Ahead of the start of the tournament on 26^th August, we’ll take a closer look at the favorites.

Novak Djokovic 6/4

It’s no surprise to see Novak Djokovic sit top in the US Open men’s winner odds, as the hard-hitting Serbian embarks on his fourth win at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic is the current champion and will be the main man to beat once more. If Djokovic is at his best, it’ll take a monumental effort to stop him.

Rafael Nadal 9/2

The undisputed “King of Clay” will also be looking for his fourth US Open crown, and Rafael Nadal’s price of 9/2 suggests he’ll be there or thereabouts again. Still fresh from his 12^th French Open success, Nadal will need to avoid any potential banana skins in the earlier rounds and if he does get to the latter stages, he’ll be very hard to beat.

Roger Federer 6/1

Arguably the greatest tennis player of all-time, Roger Federer will have every chance to add to his haul of five US Open wins if he hits the right notes at Flushing Meadows. If he was to win, it would set the record of the most wins in the modern era but age is very much against him now. It would be foolish to rule him out completely, but Federer has the experience necessary to craft out another Grand Slam win.

Alexander Zverev 10/1

If there’s anybody who can cause a minor upset at the US Open, it’ll likely be young German Alexander Zverev. Although he hasn’t won a major yet, the 22-year-old looks primed for a prosperous and lengthy career in tennis and he’ll look to improve on his third round exit last year. Zverev already has wins against Federer and Djokovic so he knows how to mix it with the best of them.

Marin Čilić – 20/1

Another player who can’t be ignored lightly is Marin Čilić, who has history at the US Open. Čilić won the tournament five years ago now so is certainly more than capable, but he’ll need to be at his best to stand any chance of a second win. 2019 hasn’t been too kind to Čilić so far but if he has a strong Wimbledon, you just never know.

Dominic Thiem – 25/1

If you’re looking for good value, Dominic Thiem could be the man for you. The beaten French Open finalist is really making a strong impression so far this year and his 25/1 price shouldn’t be frowned at. Although a major has eluded Thiem so far, it’s surely just a matter of time before he is celebrating and with a little bit of luck and some hard work, the US Open 2019 title could be his.

Best outsider – Andy Murray – 33/1

It’s refreshing to see Andy Murray get over his injury woes and make a steady return to the court. Other than his two Wimbledon wins, Murray’s other Grand Slam came at Flushing Meadows in 2012 but it’s likely this year will come too soon for a genuine title push. If Murray plays at Wimbledon and proves himself fit, he could re-remind the world just what they’ve been missing but 2020 will be his best chance to go again.