Why Not Me?

ATP

Why not me?

In most video games, you fight the big powerful boss on the last level. Normally you fail a hundred times, rage quit a bunch, before finally drinking victory’s sweet nectar. Lucky for all of the men still in the US Open singles draw, their chances of breaking through have drastically increased, since two big bosses have already been eliminated.

In case you were on a social media detox last week, both Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic bowed out of the tournament after poor performances in the second and third rounds. Alcaraz said that he was fighting two battles in his 3rd round loss to Dutchman Botic Van de Scandshulp (see pronunciation) - his opponent and his own mind.

After the loss to Alexei Popyrin, Djokovic was frank, saying “This week I’ve played some of the worst tennis I’ve ever played honestly.” After claiming Olympic gold, he said that he arrived in New York with less physical and emotional energy (I knew he partied too much in Paris 😉).

With burnout’s help eliminating the two most likely players to hoist the trophy, the remaining players must be thinking, “Why not me?”

To put this opportunity into perspective, this is the first year since 2002 that neither Djokovic, Federer or Nadal will have won a single grand slam. And since 2004, the trio won 66 out of 84 grand slams played (78%). Opportunities like this don’t come often.

So who’s my pick? With Djokovic out, I’ve got Frances Tiafoe making it to the finals. And after watching Jannik Sinner dispatch Tommy Paul last night, I think the finals will be an American vs. Italian battle. C’mon Big Foe 👊

Trivia

Built in 1997, Arthur Ashe stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world. How many people does it seat?

A. 23,771

B. 15,196

C. 31,466

D. 42,239

Find out at the bottom!

WTA

On to the next one

Here are a few of the biggest stories from the week:

• 2023 champion Coco Gauff hit 11 double faults in the final set of her fourth round loss to OIympic teammate Emma Navarro. Gauff continues to struggle this season, and many wonder if her partnership with Brad Gilbert is on the ropes.

• American Danielle Collins played her last grand slam match. Playing some of her best tennis in her final year on tour, many had high hopes for her to make a deep run in New York. Those dreams were cut very short after a disappointing first round loss to fellow American Caroline Dolehide.

• Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu lost in the 1st round in the battle of grand slam champions vs. Sofia Kenin. The Brit skipped the Olympics and strangely didn’t play any lead up tournaments on hard court. Legend Martina Navratilova had harsh words for Raducanu, saying she needs to, “take ownership of herself, her brand and of her tennis career most of all.” Raducanu is yet to win a singles title since her miraculous US Open run three years ago.

Heading into week two, Jess Pegula and Emma Navarro are America’s two remaining hopes to keep the trophy on home soil. But if world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and last year’s runner-up Aryna Sabalenka have anything to say about it, the trophy will be leaving the states faster than you can get a honey deuce (which ironically now takes forever because of record US Open attendance).

My pick hasn’t changed since last week: Aryna all the way 💪

In Case You Missed It

Magical Girl

Nike’s stock price year to date? Down 22%. But don’t worry, it’s trending on X thanks to Naomi Osaka.

The Japanese former world No. 1 turned heads as she stepped on to Louis Armstrong Stadium for her first round match last week. The bow-adorned dress and shoes combo was designed by Nike’s Yoon Ahn, who worked closely with Osaka to bring out her vision.

“The inspiration that fueled the look for me - and this might be a Japanese term - is feeling like a ‘magical girl’ on the court. There’s a moment of transformation for me when I walk onto the court, and I have a lot of fun playing, so wanting everyone who sees the outfit to connect with that feeling is a really big motivation for me.” - Osaka

Ahn made sure she had a night version of the dress too. Unfortunately for Naomi (and Nike), she bowed out of the tournament in the second round, retiring the dresses quickly.

Shot of the Week

Behind the back

The thumbnail spoils it a little, but it’s still worth the watch. The shot is doubly impressive because Muchova kept her composure and followed up her crazy shot with a winner.

Honorable mention - here’s a bit of Musetti magic for you.

Around the Net

More News, Memes and Throwbacks

• “I hope with everything in my heart that something bad happens to you.” - this quote and the one above are just a couple of the hundreds of hateful messages that Caroline Garcia received after losing at the US Open, likely from sports betters. Full instagram post (warning it is very dark).

• “This guy’s a specimen. I couldn’t stop staring at his shoulder definition and his veins” - Li Tu on Carlos Alcaraz after playing him in the first round of the US Open

• Robert Cash and JJ Tracy, this year’s NCAA Division 1 Men’s Doubles Champions were the first team to win a round at the US Open in the same year as Mahesh Bhupathi and Ali Hamadeh of Ole Miss in 1995

• Hubert Hurkacz ended his coaching relationship with legend Craig Boynton. In the 5 years that they worked together, Hurkacz climbed from 70 in the world to the top 10. I’d call that a success!

Answer

A. 23,771

From the nosebleeds of Ashe, the players look like ants and the ball looks like a crumb. But still, it’s electric.

The Beautiful Game

Tremosine sul Garda, Italy

This week we’re back in Italy because, of course we are. This court looks over Lago di Gardo in Northern Italy. Tennis and bolognese, mama mia that’s good 🍝🤌🏼

If you’ve played somewhere beautiful and have a photo that you’d like to be featured, reply to this email or text it to (425) 463-9820!