NEW YORK — The draw for the 2024 US Open has been made, setting the stage for a thrilling fortnight of tennis and defining the paths for Britain’s leading hopes, Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper. Both players, seen as pivotal figures for British tennis in the post-Murray era, discovered their first-round opponents and the potential blockbuster matches that lie ahead as they prepare to fly the Union Jack at the final Grand Slam of the year.
For Raducanu, the 2021 champion whose fairytale run here captivated the sporting world, the draw presents a formidable immediate challenge. She is slated to face a qualifier in the opening round, a seemingly kind assignment. However, the true test looms in a potential second-round blockbuster against world No. 8 and recent Olympic gold medalist, Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh star, known for her blistering serve and powerful groundstrokes, would be a stern examination of Raducanu’s current level and resilience.
Raducanu's Road Through a Stacked Quarter
Should Raducanu navigate her way into the second week, the draw does not get any easier. Her quarter of the draw is packed with elite talent, featuring:
- Iga Świątek: The world No. 1 and defending champion.
- Jelena Ostapenko: A former French Open champion and always a dangerous floater.
- Markéta Vondroušová: The reigning Wimbledon champion.
This section of the draw is arguably the most difficult, meaning Raducanu will need to summon the same fearless tennis that defined her iconic run three years ago. Acknowledging the challenge, she recently stated, "I'm just focusing on my first match. You can't look too far ahead in a Slam, you have to take it one point, one match at a time."
Draper's Daunting Debut Against Titouan
For Jack Draper, the draw was less about a future blockbuster and more about a brutally tough opening encounter. The British No. 1, who has climbed into the world's top 40 on the back of a strong summer that included his first ATP title in Stuttgart, was pitted against 17th seed and home favourite, Ben Shelton. The big-serving American lefty reached the semi-finals here last year and is known for his explosive, crowd-pleasing game, making him a nightmare first-round opponent.
The match promises to be a serve-dominated affair, with both players capable of hitting thunderous aces and forehands. Draper will need to be clinical on break point opportunities and use his improved defensive skills to weather the inevitable Shelton onslaught. It’s a match that could easily be a quarter-final, yet it lands in the first round, highlighting the depth of the men’s game.
Potential Path for the British No. 1
Should Draper pull off the significant upset against Shelton, his potential path through the draw remains littered with obstacles. A second-round match could see him face another big server in Christopher Eubanks, followed by a possible third-round clash with the mercurial talent of 16th seed, Nicolas Jarry. The fourth round could then pit him against the tournament’s fourth seed and recent Wimbledon finalist, Alexander Zverev.
It’s a gauntlet that will test every aspect of Draper’s physical and mental fortitude. However, his powerful, flat-hitting game is well-suited to the fast hard courts of Flushing Meadows. His coach, James Trotman, has been impressed with his charge's development, noting, "Jack's belief is growing with every win. He's starting to understand he belongs with the best players in the world, and his game is built for these big stages."
Other Brits in the Draw and Home Hopes
While Raducanu and Draper headline the British challenge, they are not alone. Cameron Norrie, the experienced former top-10 player, faces a tricky first-round match against a talented Italian, Matteo Arnaldi. Dan Evans, another veteran of the tour, will look to navigate his way past Holger Rune’s coach, Boris Becker’s son, Noah, who received a wildcard. Katie Boulter, the British No. 1, will also be aiming to make her mark in a wide-open section of the women's draw.
The draws have set the narrative for a US Open filled with intrigue. All eyes will be on whether Raducanu can rekindle the magic of New York and if Draper can announce himself on the global stage with a deep run. Their journeys begin under the bright lights and intense pressure that only the US Open can provide.
The first-round matches for the Brits are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, with the tournament running through to the men's singles final on Sunday, September 8th. The stage is set for two weeks of high drama, and British tennis fans will be hoping their new standard-bearers can rise to the occasion once more.