The closing Grand Slam of the 12 months will begin in New York on Monday. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek might be bidding to defend their titles - and their rankings of world No.1. But what's new at this 12 months’s US Open?

Novak Djokovic is again and is about to return to world No.1 - and needs New York assist

The three-time champion was banned from coming into the USA final 12 months after refusing the Covid 19 vaccine. He is assured to return to the highest of the rankings above Carlos Alcaraz by beating Alexandre Muller tonight.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner, who broke down in tears as his title was chanted throughout his 2021 closing defeat, stated: “What I felt from the crowd, that kind of connection and love and support that they gave me throughout entire match and also in the closing ceremony, was something that I carry still in my heart, and I still feel vibes from that night of the finals two years ago. I will try to use that for this year's tournament.”

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And Caroline Wozniacki can be making her New York comeback

The two-time finalist retired in 2020 however the former world No.1 is making her Grand Slam comeback aged 33 after enjoying two WTA occasions

The 2018 Australian Open champion, who's now a mom of two, stated: It's actually nice to be again right here on the US Open and to have the chance to play right here yet one more time. It's fairly particular. I've nice recollections right here. I like enjoying right here in entrance of the followers on these courts. I did not suppose three years in the past that I used to be going to be right here, so that is superior. Really enthusiastic about it.”

VAR challenges

Players could have three challenges every set to dispute controversial selections akin to double bounces or hindrance calls. The umpire can then overview the choice on a pill on the chair whereas followers also can decide on the massive on-court screens.

The new football-style expertise - along with the digital line-calling in New York - will solely be accessible this 12 months on the 5 greatest courts at Flushing Meadows.

British No.1 Cam Norrie stated: “I think it is great. If you have that, you might as well use it. I think there are always one or two incidents. You will be able to use it if there is a double bounce. It doesn’t happen too often but it would be nice to have it for all courts. I don’t know the cost but it will be nice because it will be fair. People are obviously going to make mistakes so it will be nice to have that option.”

New, heavier balls

The US Open is now not the one Major to have totally different balls within the for the 2 singles competitions with the ladies now utilizing the heavier Wilson balls utilized by the boys.

Emma Raducanu benefitted from the lighter balls when successful the title in 2021.

British No.7 Lily Miyazaki stated: “From this year, we're both using the extra duty balls, which are a bit heavier. It suits some players and for me it's worked so I’m happy. We used them in college and it has helped me whereas obviously up until last year with the regular duty balls, I wasn't able to really control it or feel the ball really well.”

Carlos Alcaraz will defend a Major title

The Spaniard grew to become the youngest world No.1 when he received right here final 12 months in Djokovic’s absence - after which beat the Serb within the Wimbledon closing.

And Alcaraz, now 20, has warned he's now even higher after successful a Tour-leading six titles this 12 months.

The Wimbledon champion stated: “I feel that I'm more mature on court. I feel that I'm a better player than I was a year ago. I got my first Grand Slam last year, but I feel like I'm more mature and I'm better.”

Coco Gauff is the house favorite

A 12 months after Serena Williams’ emotional retirement, the American teenager has received two of her final three occasions after appointing Andy Murray’s former coach Brad Gilbert and Pere Riba to her group after her first spherical defeat at Wimbledon.

The world No.6 had misplaced seven consecutive matches to Iga Swiatek with out successful a set earlier than beating the world No.1 on her method to the Cincinnati Masters title.

The American, nonetheless 19, stated: “August has been a great month for me. I'm really excited to go into the rest of this month. Hopefully a little bit into September, as well.”