This year's US Open men's singles tournament appears to be up for grabs with Carlos Alcaraz and Novat Djokovic joined by a host of players in contention.

While world No 1 Jannik Sinner is injured, Alcaraz returns to competitive tennis at Flushing Meadows, ending a more than four-month absence caused by a wrist injury. Although some say 39-year-old Djokovic has a golden opportunity to finally land a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, his condition remains a concern after a physical second-round defeat at the Cincinnati Open.

Former player turned coach Ryan Harrison emphasized the importance of being fourth seed for Djokovic, noting that falling into the five-through-eight range could mean facing top-four players in every round through the final. "If you're five through eight and you end up drawing in the same quarter as a player who is ranked ahead of you, you have to play somebody in the quarter-finals who is ranked ahead of you," Harrison explained.

All eyes turn to Alcaraz, but the omens are challenging — no man since 2008 has defended the US Open, and no man has ever won it without playing in the Canada or Cincinnati Opens. Former British No 1 Annabel Croft called Alcaraz's return "very exciting," praising his shot-making and impact on audiences.