US Open draw hands Alcaraz, Sabalenka tough tests

NEW YORK: Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz faces a formidable challenge in his return to singles play after a five-month absence due to a wrist injury, while top seed Aryna Sabalenka will also have her hands full in her quest for a three-peat after the draw was announced on Thursday. Alcaraz, who is seeded second, landed in the stronger bottom half of the men's draw alongside former US Open champions Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Stan Wawrinka, and Marin Cilic.

He will begin the season's final major against Roman Safiullin and could face Arthur Fils or Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals before a potential semi-final clash with Djokovic, Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe, or Brandon Nakashima. Djokovic, a four-time US Open winner aiming for his record 25th Grand Slam title, will open the tournament against Argentine Mariano Navone and, if he advances, would then face either Wawrinka or Matteo Berrettini in the second round.

On the women's side, top seed Sabalenka will start against Colombian Camila Osorio and could encounter Linda Noskova in the quarterfinals and Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, who finished as runner-up in two US Open tune-up events. Sabalenka's journey may also include matches against Renata Zarazua, Barbora Krejcikova, and Diana Shnaider, with a title showdown against Elena Rybakina if the draw adheres to the seedings.

Fresh off her Cincinnati title, former US Open winner Coco Gauff, seeded fourth, was placed in the bottom half and could face Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals.