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The US Open is all set to start with Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek set to be the top contenders for the titles. Along with the duo, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will also be in the mix for the top prizes.

In Short

  • The final grand slam of the year will start from August 26
  • Djokovic is yet to win a grand slam this year
  • Swiatek last won the US Open title in 2022

The US Open is fast approaching, and tennis fans are waiting in anticipation for the final Grand Slam of the year. The excitement for the thrilling hard-court battles and dramatic matches has kept the tennis fans eager for the action to start. Fans of tennis can catch all the hardcore live coverage at the ‘Home of Tennis’ Sony Sports Network. As the tournament nears, let’s examine the top contenders who can win the ultimate prize.

The final grand slam of the year will start from August 26.

Men’s Division

Novak Djokovic

Aryna Sabalenka has called for equal pay in tennis after she won the Cincinnati Masters but both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have previously spoken out against it

Aryna Sabalenka has reignited the debate over equal pay in tennis after lifting the Cincinnati Masters trophy with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal previously having their say on the matter.

While enjoying a stellar 2024 season and heading into the US Open full of confidence, Sabalenka made headlines on Monday not solely for her on-court heroics but also for challenging the ongoing disparity in prize money between male and female players after her tournament triumph over Jessica Pegula.

The Belarusian sensation highlighted the glaring gap as she took home half of what Jannik Sinner earned for his concurrent men’s final victory with Sabalenka’s $524,730 (£400,000) paling in comparison to Sinner’s $1,049,460 (£775,000).

The 26-year-old brought attention to the issue stating: “From the TV point of view, from the ticket selling, from every point of view, it’s unfair. Of course, guys are always going to be physically stronger than women but it doesn’t mean we’re not working as hard as they do. Women deserve to be paid an equal amount of money that men do.”

With this statement, she joins an enduring dialogue on gender pay equality in the sports conversation previously marked by contrasting views from heavyweights such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The pair notably voiced their opposition to equal pay; back in 2016 at Indian Wells, Djokovic contended that male players should campaign for more money.

The Serbian stirred up quite the storm with his comments following then-tournament CEO Raymond Moore’s controversial claim that women players “ride on coattails of the men” and should “get on their knees and thank God” for top male stars like Nadal and Federer.

The 37-year-old initially argued: “I think that our men’s tennis world, ATP world, should fight for more because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches, I think that’s one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more”, but he swiftly shifted his opinion saying: “I never had an issue with equality in gender or sport or other areas of life.”

His retraction continued with a heartfelt acknowledgement: “I feel very sorry if, in any way, I hurt my female colleague tennis players. I have a very good relationship with all of them. I have a huge respect for all of them.”

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic, who once appeared to suggest that men deserve higher pay in tennis, has since become a proponent for equal prize money and enhanced earnings for those lower down the rankings, even setting up the Professional Tennis Players Association with Vasek Pospisil in 2020.

Nadal was another major force opposing equal pay in tennis, telling Italian magazine Lo Donna in 2018: “Female models earn more than male models, and nobody says anything. Why? Because they have a larger following. In tennis, too, who gathers a larger audience earns more.”

The Spaniard, reflecting on the gender equality debate, delivered a bold message to the tennis world, speaking earlier this year during a TV interview with La Sexta. He asserted that both male and female players should indeed be given the same opportunities but insisted prize money should reflect the revenue they generate: “I don’t want to be hypocritical and say things that are easy to say and that I don’t feel.

“What do you want me to say? For me, the investment for women should be the same as for men,” stated the 22-time major champion. “The opportunities, the same. The salaries, the same? No, for what? It’s not unfair, what’s unfair is that there isn’t equal opportunity.

“I have a mother and a sister. If you tell me that men and women deserve the same opportunities, I’m a feminist. This term is taken to the extreme. If we’re talking about logical and normal things in this conversation, of course, I want equality.”

The celebrated tennis star revealed his frustration over calls for identical prize payouts: “For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me. I want equality, I want women to earn more than men if they generate more than men.

“What bothers me is when people tell me that income and earnings should be equal. In tennis, for some reason, the payouts are almost equal in most events because at the time there was an opportunity for women’s tennis to be seen.”

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the all-time leader in Roland Garros titles picked the best player among Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and himself.

According to the ATP rankings, Jannik Sinner currently holds the title of world No. 1. However, even the Italian acknowledges that when it comes to historical significance, he trails behind the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. These two, along with Roger Federer, have dominated the conversation around the GOAT debate.

Each player has their unique accomplishments, but Djokovic seems to have made a compelling case, especially after securing the Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games—one of the few accolades that had eluded him. In a recent interview, Nadal decisively ended the GOAT debate, offering his own pick.

Speaking on the Spanish program ‘El Objetivo,’ Nadal did not hesitate to name Novak Djokovic as the best player in history“I would say Djokovic is the greatest of all time. The numbers say so, and to me, he is the best,” the Spaniard stated. It’s worth noting that Djokovic has surpassed both Nadal and Federer in Grand Slam titles, with 24 to his name, and recently clinched his first Olympic gold in Paris.

Nadal also commented on Djokovic’s temperament, saying, “When I see someone with so much success get so angry, I don’t like it. However, I think the image he projects is worse than what he truly is. He’s a good person with his flaws. His frustration lasts as long as it takes to break a racket. After that, he’s ready to play at 100% again.” Nadal concluded, “He’s the best I’ve seen. He’s had the better physicality, and that counts.”

Nadal reflects on his rivalry with Federer

For many years, the most anticipated match in tennis was Nadal versus Federer, a clash of styles that often defined the biggest tournaments. Reflecting on this period, Nadal said, “We pushed each other to new heights. We also took a lot from each other. We achieved a level of self-demand that is hard to replicate because we knew we couldn’t afford to fail. That competition pushed us to the limit.” He added, “I wouldn’t call him a friend, but he’s someone I have a deep familiarity with, and we share a great relationship.”

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Grand Slam record

  • Novak Djokovic: 24
  • Rafael Nadal: 22
  • Roger Federer: 20
  • Pete Sampras: 14
  • Roy Emerson: 12
  • Rod Laver: 11
  • Bjorn Borg: 11

    Novak Djokovic: How many players have won the career Golden Slam in tennis?

    Novak Djokovic just completed the career Golden Slam in Paris 2024 Olympics. The big question is how many players have done that in tennis history.

    • How many sets are played in tennis matches at the 2024 Olympic Games?
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      Novak Djokovic has finally won the career Golden Slam after a brilliant performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was an amazing run knocking out in his way to the title many big names such as Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.

      Now, the Serbian legend holds the most impressive trophy case in tennis history. Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, individual gold medal, Davis Cup, ATP Finals and all the Masters 1000.

      As a consequence, one of the biggest questions in the tennis world is how many players have achieved the Golden Slam in history. It’s a very surprising answer which, by the way, doesn’t include Roger Federer.

      Which tennis players have won a career Golden Slam?

      Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams are the five players with a career Golden Slam. It’s important to emphasize that, in a career Golden Slam, it doesn’t matter if you win all trophies in different years.

      Has anyone done the Golden Slam?

      Steffi Graf is the only player in history who has conquered the true Golden Slam in history. That milestone is different from the career Golden Slam as you must win everything in the same year to achieve it.

      In 1988, the German star won the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. Furthermore, she got the individual gold medal in Seoul beating Gabriela Sabatini in the final. No man in singles has done that.

Roger Federer holds the record for the most ATP matches won on hard courts, while his great rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both make the top four of the list. 

Five men have won over 500 matches on hard courts, with Federer and Djokovic the only two to break the 700 mark.

Here, we look at the 10 men with the most hard-court match wins in the Open Era

10. Tomas Berdych – 401

Tomas Berdych earned 401 wins from the 617 matches he contested on hard courts and collected nine titles on the surface.

The Czech compiled 79 of his hard-court victories at Grand Slams, with 47 coming at the Australian Open and 32 at the US Open.

9. Michael Chang – 415

Michael Chang compiled 415 career victories on hard courts and won 21 ATP tournaments on the surface.

Of the American’s match triumphs on hard courts, 64 were at major tournaments: 43 at the US Open and 21 at the Australian Open.

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8. Andy Roddick – 426

Andy Roddick won 426 of the 564 matches he played on hard courts and secured 21 ATP titles on the surface.

The American earned 81 of his hard-court match wins at Grand Slams, with 43 coming at the US Open and 38 at the Australian Open.

7. Pete Sampras – 429

Pete Sampras amassed 429 victories from 532 matches on hard courts, while he claimed 35 titles on the surface.

The American earned 116 of his career hard-court wins at majors: 71 at the US Open and 45 at the Australian Open.

6. Jimmy Connors – 489

Jimmy Connors earned 489 triumphs from his 588 hard-court matches and won 43 tournaments on the surface.

Of the American’s match wins on hard courts, 109 were at Grand Slams, with 98 coming at the US Open and 11 at the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia while playing a tie break doubles exhibition match against Simone Halep of Romania and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Court Philippe Chatrier during a packed Children’s Day at Roland Garros before the start of the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 26th 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

5. Andy Murray – 503

Andy Murray won 503 of the 680 matches he contested on hard courts and secured 34 titles on the surface.

The Brit collected 100 of his hard-court match victories at majors: 51 at the Australian Open and 49 at the US Open.

4. Rafael Nadal – 518

Rafael Nadal has earned 518 wins from 668 matches on hard courts in his career, while he has claimed 25 titles on the surface.

The Spaniard has won 144 of his hard-court matches at Grand Slam tournaments, with 77 coming at the Australian Open and 67 at the US Open.

3. Andre Agassi – 592

Andre Agassi amassed 592 victories on hard courts from 750 matches and won 46 tournaments on the surface.

Of the American’s hard-court wins, 127 came at Grand Slam events: 79 at the US Open and 48 at the Australian Open.

2. Novak Djokovic – 701

Djokovic has won 701 of the 828 hard-court matches he has played in his career so far and has collected 71 title on the surface.

The Serbian has earned 182 of his match wins on hard courts at majors, with 94 at the Australian Open and 88 at the US Open.

1. Roger Federer – 783

Federer won 783 of the 938 matches he played on hard courts and holds the men’s records for both matches played and won on the surface. He won 71 ATP title on hard courts.

Of the Swiss’ hard-court victories, 191 were at Grand Slams, with 102 coming at the Australian Open and 89 at the US Open.

Novak Djokovic has equalled Rafael Nadal’s record for winning a title in the most successive seasons after his gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had not won a tournament since the 2023 ATP Finals in November prior to his victory against Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic final.

It was the 37-year-old legend’s longest start to a season without a trophy since he claimed his maiden ATP title in 2006.

Here, we look at the five players who have won an ATP singles title in the most consecutive years.

5. Jimmy Connors – 13 seasons (1972-1984)

Jimmy Connors secured his maiden title at the Jacksonville Open in 1972 and won tournaments every season from 1972 to 1984 — with 105 of his record 109 titles coming during this 13-year period.

The highest number of titles the American won in a season was the mammoth tally of 15 he collected in 1974, while his last title came at the 1989 Tel Aviv Open.

Rafael Nadal

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4. Ivan Lendl – 14 seasons (1980-1993)

Ivan Lendl claimed his first ATP title in Houston in 1980 — a triumph that started a run of 14 straight seasons in which he won at least one event.

The Czech-American’s biggest title-haul in a year was a superb 15 in 1983, while the last of his 94 tournament victories was at the 1993 Tokyo Indoor.

3. Roger Federer – 15 seasons (2001-2015)

Roger Federer won his maiden singles title at the 2001 Milan Indoor and he secured a tournament in 15 straight years from 2001-2005 — with 88 of his 103 titles coming in this stretch.

The Swiss won a career-best 12 titles during a staggering 2006 campaign and the final event he won was the 2019 Swiss Indoors in Basel.

=1. Novak Djokovic – 19 seasons (2006-2024)

Djokovic has won at least one title in each of the last 19 seasons since he triumphed at a tour-level tournament for the first time at the 2006 Dutch Open.

The most titles the Serbian has won in a year was the 11 he collected in an astonishing 2015 season. Djokovic’s 99th and most recent title was his triumph at the 2024 Olympics.

=1. Rafael Nadal – 19 seasons (2004-2022)

Nadal‘s first title came at the Warsaw Open in 2004 and he won a tournament in 19 straight years between 2004 and 2022.

The Spaniard’s largest title haul in a single season was the 11 he won in a brilliant 2005 campaign. Nadal lifted his 92nd and most recent trophy at the 2022 French Open.

Nadal reacts to Alcaraz falling short versus Djokovic in the Paris Olympics final.

Rafael Nadal offered some encouraging words to Carlos Alcaraz after the 21-year-old’s painful Paris Olympics final loss to Novak Djokovic as the 22-time Grand Slam champion told Alcaraz he knew what he was going through but also highlighted that any Olympic medal is a big thing.

After dominating Djokovic in the Wimbledon final for a second consecutive year and improving to four Grand Slam titles, Alcaraz was hoping he would beat the Serb again and also become an Olympic champion. And even though Alcaraz played at a very high level throughout the final, 37-year-old Djokovic used all of his experience to find a way to be a bit better and clinch a tight 7-6 (3) 7-6 (2) win.

Moments after the final was over, world No. 3 Alcaraz burst into tears and it wasn’t hard to see how heartbroken and devastated he was over the loss.

“Carlos, although I know that today is a difficult day, value a medal that is very important for the entire country and you will see, over time, that it is for you too,” Nadal said in a message posted on his Instagram Story after the final.

Nadal, who Alcaraz once idolized and looked up to, won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and also won the main glory with Marc Lopez in the doubles competition at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Alcaraz’s candid confession after the Olympics final

Whenever Alcaraz was asked about his hopes and expectations for his Olympic debut, he wasn’t hiding that he was feeling extremely confident about his recent form and that the goal was one and clear – winning gold. And after booking a final meeting with Djokovic, the 21-year-old Spaniard made it clear that he wanted the win but that he was also determined to make the Spanish people proud.

But after falling short in the final and crying afterward, Alcaraz admitted that he was feeling major pressure in the final and that he got emotional because he felt that he let down his people in some ways.

“I think I put more pressure on myself because I was playing for Spain, for the Spaniards. I felt that I let the Spanish people down by not winning the gold,” Alcaraz said.

“It was a different type of pressure. Everyone in Spain wanted me to win the gold, and I wanted to win the gold as well. In those difficult moments I usually raise my level, but I wasn’t able to do that today. Probably I felt the pressure in those situations. You play four Grand Slams every year, the Olympics is only once every four years.”

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

What Alcaraz said about Djokovic’s performance?

Alcaraz may have been extremely disappointed about failing to get the job done against Djokovic but that didn’t stop him from giving where credit is due and acknowledging that the Serb deserved to become an Olympic champion. Also, the 21-year-old vowed to return stronger and give his best to land a gold medal in the future.

“It’s very painful to lose this match the way I did. I feel like I had a few chances, but you can’t let a player like Djokovic slip away. The truth is that he deserves this success, he played amazingly,” Alcaraz said.

“Right now I’m a little disappointed, above all, because I feel like I’ve let down a lot of people who expected me to win Olympic gold. I can only say that I’m leaving here with my head held high because I’ve given everything I had and I hope to win gold sometime in my career.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic couldn’t hide his happiness and he wasn’t hiding how much it meant to him and how he felt after becoming an Olympic champion.

In the last couple of years, Djokovic highlighted several times that winning a gold medal was his major wish and he made it clear earlier this year that it was his biggest goal for the remainder of his career.

And now, Djokovic is a record 24-time Grand Slam champion – has spent the most weeks at No. 1 in tennis history – and he also has an Olympic gold medal.

“This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling. I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today,” Djokovic said.

“Now at the age of 37 and facing a 21-year-old who is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back, I can say that this is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had.”

An irritated Rafael Nadal baulked at the idea of retirement following an Olympics demolition at the hands of Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard suffered one of the most lopsided defeats of his career, falling to 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, 6-1 6-4, in the second round of the men’s Olympics singles in Paris.

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Nadal was blown off court by his longtime rival in what was their 60th career head-to-head, which is a record showdown in the men’s game.

The 38-year-old Nadal, who is still in doubles with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, has played only a handful of tournaments over the past two years because of injury.

He’s aware the end is coming but isn’t ready to call time on his playing days just yet, and appeared annoyed at the suggestion his illustrious career is waning.

“You want me to retire every day guys, you ask me for that,” he said with a touch of irritation after the defeat. “I am trying to do my best. I cannot live every single day with the feeling that it’s going to be or not going to be my last match.

“I have been suffering a lot of injuries the last two years. So, if I feel that I am not competitive enough to keep going, or physically I’m not ready to keep going, I will stop and I will let you know.

“I like what I do and of course I’m going to miss the adrenaline of playing but I cannot complain. I have been playing in all these courts for 20 years, fighting for the most important things. I achieved much more than I dreamed of.

“If that’s the last match here, I’ll be in peace. I did my best and I can’t complain anymore.”

Serbian Djokovic was in imperious form against Nadal, handing the 14-time French Open champion just his fifth defeat at Roland Garros in 118 matches.

The right knee that he had surgery on following a slip during the French Open was still strapped up but for a set and a half Djokovic had no more trouble swatting aside Nadal than he had his first-round opponent Matt Ebden, a doubles specialist who had not played a singles match for two years.

Rafael Nadal

Djokovic was sharper, faster and more accurate but a loss of concentration when his position appeared unassailable allowed Nadal back in, and the Spaniard delighted his fans by winning four games in a row, the last one sealed when he drilled a smash back at his opponent’s feet before passing him.

But Djokovic immediately broke serve again, earning loud boos for cupping his ear to the pro-Nadal crowd, and then clinched the victory with an ace.

“He played much better than me from the beginning until the end. I had some reaction, some points. But that was, of course, not enough.”

Djokovic, who will next take on Germany’s Dominik Koepfer, now leads the rivalry 31-29, and is hoping there are a few more chapters still to write in his storied rivalry with Rafa.

“I just hope, for the sake of our rivalry and the sport in general, that we’ll get to face each other once or maybe a few times on different surfaces, in different parts of the world, because I feel like it can only benefit the sport,” he said.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic square off in an Olympic Games blockbuster on Monday, their first meeting in over two years, while Iga Swiatek stepped up her quest for gold by powering into the third round.

The latest chapter of a generation-defining rivalry, and perhaps the final act, will bring Nadal and Djokovic full circle — the duo having met as teenagers in their very first meeting in the 2006 Roland Garros quarter-finals.

This is the earliest stage of a tournament the pair have ever met, with Nadal far from the almost invincible player who dominated on clay for well over a decade.

The 38-year-old — who has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles at the French Open — believes old rival Djokovic will be favourite when they meet for the 60th time.

“Situations are completely different for him, for me. He’s being very competitive. I was not being very competitive for the last two years, so in that case, I think probably he is the clear favourite,” said Nadal, who holds an 8-2 head-to-head advantage over the Serb at Roland Garros.

“I’m going to try my best to bring the best to the court and then let’s see how far I can go and how many problems I can create for him.”

Djokovic, chasing a first Olympic gold to add to his 24 Grand Slams, expects the clash to deliver.

“We’ll spread some fireworks on the court, like the good old times,” said Djokovic, who has also yet to win a title this season.

“Playing him is like finals for me. His record at Roland Garros speaks for itself.”

Four-time French Open champion Swiatek underlined her status at the heavy favourite for women’s gold in Paris, swatting home hope Diane Parry aside 6-1, 6-1.

Swiatek, who lost in the second round in Tokyo, meets China’s Wang Xiyu for a place in the quarter-finals.

World number one Swiatek has won her last 23 matches at Roland Garros, with three clay titles already under her belt this season.

The Pole, tested in her opening match under the roof on Court Philippe Chatrier, enjoyed a far more straightforward outing in bright sunshine on Monday.

Swiatek won the first five games of the match and broke five times as she strolled to victory in just 74 minutes.

US second seed Coco Gauff plays Argentina’s Maria Lourdes Carle later.

Reigning men’s French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz takes on Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the evening.

Scorching heat posed a considerable problem for tennis players at the Tokyo Olympic, and the issue could resurface this week with highs of 35 degrees Celsius expected on Tuesday.

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