Raducanu defends as Serena steps away – the players to watch at the US Open

Ten players hoping for big things at Flushing Meadows.

The US Open kicks off on Monday with Daniil Medvedev and Emma Raducanu defending their titles.

Novak Djokovic is unable to enter the United States due to his unvaccinated status while Serena Williams is preparing to say goodbye to the sport.

Here, the PA news agency picks out 10 players to watch at Flushing Meadows.

Rafael Nadal

Daniil Medvedev

Carlos Alcaraz

It was in New York last summer that Alcaraz burst into the spotlight with a run to the quarter-finals. He won the Masters title in Miami in the spring and followed it up by beating Nadal and Djokovic back to back on his way to success at the Madrid Open. There appeared to be no stopping the 19-year-old but, such are the stratospheric standards he has set, his recent form has been a little shaky.

Nick Kyrgios

That the Australian is back in the top 30 despite his run to the Wimbledon final garnering no points shows what a consistently strong season he has had. Kyrgios finally appears dedicated to tennis – on his terms – and has built on his grass-court success with more impressive results on the American hard courts. With his parents unwell back in Australia, though, Kyrgios may find it difficult to keep his mind away from home.

Jack Draper

Serena Williams

Iga Swiatek

Simona Halep

This season has seen Halep show something like her old form after the difficulties of last year’s calf injury, which meant she was unable to defend her Wimbledon title. The Romanian was close to calling it a day but credits new coach Patrick Mouratoglou – Williams’ long-time mentor – for helping her rediscover her love of the sport. Winning the title in Toronto earlier this month propelled Halep back into the top 10.