The 2016 U.S. Open is just around the corner. The final Grand Slam of the year will suffer from the misfortune of its greatest champion’s absence. Yes, Roger Federer is missing another Slam, but that does not mean the event will be short on star power. Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal headline the field while Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic continue to be under the radar men. The USTA has added to the intrigue by awarding Juan Martin del Potro a wild card. This happened after American pro Steve Johnson pointed out that the decision could leave a lot of American fans upset if Delpo beats one of the top home players in the opening round.
Who will be crowned champion in New York at the 2016 U.S. Open?
The competition in the 128-player main draw begins on Monday, August 29, in Flushing Meadows.
Event Details
Event: United States Open
Category: ITF (International Tennis Federation) Grand Slam
Date: August 29 – September 11, 2016
Location: The Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center – Flushing Meadows, New York
With over $46 million in prize money, this tournament is the last huge opportunity for the large swath of the ATP Tour to make bank before the final few Masters tournaments in October.
The points structure for the U.S. Open under the ITF system is that for the men, the championship means 2,000 points. A runner-up finish is worth 1,200. A semifinal result is 720 points, and a quarterfinal appearance offers 360 points.
Former Champions and Results (5 Years)
Year Champion Runner-up Score
2015 – Novak Djokovic def. Roger Federer – 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
2014 – Marin Cilic def. Kei Nishikori – 6-3, 6-3, 6-3
2013 – Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic – 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1
2012 – Andy Murray def. Novak Djokovic – 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2
2011 – Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal – 6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1
Player Info:
Novak Djokovic is the defending champion and the favorite to hoist the shining silver trophy. Djokovic left the Rio Olympics teary-eyed after a shocking first round loss to Juan Martin Del Potro, and then pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters citing a left wrist injury. Djokovic is still an astonishing 51-4 in 2016, but his earlier than expected losses to Sam Querrey (Wimbledon) and Delpo may have instilled hope in rivals that he is beatable. However, the dominant World No.1 has enjoyed a phenomenal season, defending Australian Open, completing the Career Slam at the French Open, and capturing four of the seven Masters (Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Toronto).
The major concern for the Serb is his injury. Yes, Djokovic has looked fallible since his emotional triumph at Roland Garros, but to bet against a man who has won five of the last seven Grand Slam events is not exactly a sure bet.
Andy Murray has had an astounding summer. He took the title at Wimbledon, and struck Gold in Rio. Murray’s 22-match winning streak, however, was snapped by Marin Cilic, who is also the 2014 U.S. Open champion, in the final of the Cincinnati Masters. Murray is yet to reach the finals at the Big Apple since his breakthrough Grand Slam title at this venue in 2012. With just a week to recover, has he left himself weary for a deep run in New York?
Rafael Nadal showed glimpses of his old magic in Rio but couldn’t do anything in Cincinnati, where he was dismissed in straight sets by Borna Coric. One day he plays lights out tennis making you believe he is back at his best. The next day he’ll turn out as a mere mortal. His season has been marred by injury and his form keeps deserting him in key matches. Will he go all the way like he did it against the odds in 2013 in New York?
The Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center
The facility which has hosted the U.S. Open since 1978 is getting a makeover. The Grandstand court will be new this year. Ashe Stadium, the center court for the tournament, had a partial roof over spectators last year, but now it will have a fully retractable roof to allow for play when rain arrives. Ashe will finally be able to be converted into a domed stadium to keep the tournament on schedule. Last year’s men’s final between Djokovic and Federer was delayed.
