I would put Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz down as the joint favourites.
Just the fact that Djokovic has got that Olympic title, I think it might free him up even more to say ‘I really have achieved everything that I wanted to achieve’ and play with the ultimate freedom.
It’s tough to call but I think Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz and Djokovic are above the pack.
The only other players you could add are Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev, while Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud might have a chance because it’s more open than other years.
I think Novak Djokovic will successfully defend his title and move to 25 Grand Slam singles titles! Winning Olympic Gold released so much pressure and was the final major honour that was missing from the Djokovic CV and trophy cabinet.
He didn’t defend his Cincinnati title but it’s no longer about the No 1 ranking and the chasing of points, it’s all about Grand Slam titles and in particular the elusive 25, so as long as he didn’t do too much partying after his Olympic win, I think he will beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final to be crowned Champion.
The men’s is so hard to call. Djokovic is the defending champion, Alcaraz has won it before and you feel Sinner will win the US Open one day.
Zverev is playing really well and you can never rule him out.
It’s so hard to pick one name out of those four but, for me, there is certainly that little cluster that have separated themselves.
