Daily News 19

Tag: Jannik Sinner withdrawal

  • US Open Odds: Sabalenka and Alcaraz Favored as Tournament Begins

    US Open Odds: Sabalenka and Alcaraz Favored as Tournament Begins

    The return of Carlos Alcaraz and the absence of Jannik Sinner have significantly reshaped the 2026 US Open betting futures market.

    Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, is listed at +250 to defend his title as the tournament gets underway. That price is a notable increase from the +140 odds available shortly after Sinner announced his withdrawal because of an injury.

    Alcaraz leads men’s US Open betting

    Alexander Zverev, the 2026 French Open champion, is the clear second choice at +300. However, bookmakers say bettors have not backed him heavily. Instead, sportsbook customers have shown interest in longer-priced players such as Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar, both at 12-1, along with popular Americans Ben Shelton at 13-1 and Learner Tien at 60-1.

    The leading men’s odds shortened after three seeded players suffered first-round defeats, including No. 4 seed Novak Djokovic. Djokovic lost to Argentina’s Mariano Navone on Sunday, marking his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam in more than 20 years. No. 19 seed Casper Ruud and No. 29 seed Cameron Norrie were also eliminated.

    Sabalenka, Gauff headline women’s odds

    On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka led the market Sunday at +330 to win the US Open. Coco Gauff was next at +450, followed by Iga Swiatek at +550.

    Bettors have shown even stronger support for American players in the women’s draw. Gauff, Jessica Pegula at 10-1, Amanda Anisimova at 16-1 and Madison Keys at 50-1 have all attracted action across the sportsbook marketplace.

    Alexandra Eala is another player to watch. The Filipino phenom was priced at more than 100-1 to win the US Open two months ago, but her odds have shortened to 28-1 after she captured her first professional title at the 2026 Washington Open.

    Men’s and women’s odds from DK Sports were updated Monday morning and may differ from the prices listed above.

    Source: www.espn.com

  • US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Drawn Against Roman Safiullin as Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Arthur Fery Learn First-Round Opponents

    US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Drawn Against Roman Safiullin as Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Arthur Fery Learn First-Round Opponents

    Carlos Alcaraz begins his US Open title defence against Russia’s Roman Safiullin in what will be the first major test of his fitness since a long-term wrist injury.

    The second-seeded Spaniard, who won the men’s title in New York last year, has not played a competitive singles match for more than four months because of inflammation in his right playing wrist. Despite that extended absence, Alcaraz remains one of the leading favourites to win the tournament again, particularly after his great rival Jannik Sinner withdrew with a knee injury.

    Alcaraz and Sinner have appeared to be a level above much of the men’s tour over the past two seasons. However, returning from a prolonged lay-off with a delicate wrist problem and defeating the rest of the field would be a remarkable achievement, even for a player regarded as a generational talent.

    Alcaraz faces immediate fitness test

    The seven-time major champion missed this season’s French Open and Wimbledon because of the injury, which did not require surgery. He returned to court earlier this week in the US Open mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams.

    Wearing a long compression sleeve on his right arm, Alcaraz did not look entirely convincing in the exhibition-style event. He appeared to be understandably holding back on his serve and return as he gradually readjusted to competitive match play.

    A Grand Slam singles match played over five sets will provide a significantly greater physical challenge. Safiullin is not an ideal opening opponent, with the 29-year-old Russian possessing a powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes.

    Safiullin reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last month before losing to Novak Djokovic. He is likely to try to take time away from Alcaraz, test his resilience from the baseline and make the Spaniard uncomfortable throughout the match.

    Alcaraz’s potential US Open route

    Predicting how a Grand Slam draw will unfold is always difficult, but even reaching the fourth round could leave Alcaraz facing increasingly demanding opponents given the length of his absence.

    Based on the seedings, Alcaraz could meet the consistent American Tommy Paul or the unpredictable Kazakh Alexander Bublik in the last 16.

    Athletic Frenchman Arthur Fils and big-serving American Ben Shelton are among the potential quarter-final opponents, while Djokovic could await in the semi-finals.

    Only Alcaraz and his core team know how his wrist will respond to the demands of five-set tennis in the heat of a Grand Slam tournament. A difficult opening match at Flushing Meadows, followed by a potentially intimidating second week, should provide the clearest indication of whether he is ready to defend his US Open crown.

    Source: www.bbc.com