Britain’s top-ranked tennis players will face yet-to-be-determined qualifiers when the US Open commences on Sunday at Flushing Meadows.
Fifth seed Jack Draper and former champion Emma Raducanu have both drawn opening-round opponents who must still navigate the qualifying tournament.
Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper are in optimistic moods ahead of the US Open
|
ReutersMeanwhile, Raducanu makes another return to the venue where she captured her maiden Grand Slam title four years ago.
Both players enter the tournament with renewed optimism following recent strong performances, though their preparations have taken different paths.
JUST IN: Roy Keane fights back tears as Ian Wright comforts close pal after old photo shown
Raducanu has enlisted Rafael Nadal’s former coach Francis Roig to guide her campaign, replacing her previous informal arrangement with Mark Petchey.
The Spanish coach spent most of his career working alongside Nadal and his uncle Toni, contributing to 22 Grand Slam victories.
The 22-year-old arrives in New York following an encouraging semi-final appearance at the Washington Open, where she displayed her most consistent form since her stunning 2021 triumph.
Her path could lead to a third-round encounter with 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina, with whom she recently partnered in doubles competition in Washington.
Draper’s preparations faced disruption when a forearm problem forced him to skip tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati.
The British number one has since recovered and demonstrated his fitness by reaching the mixed doubles semi-finals alongside Jessica Pegula, defeating Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz en route.
The world number five’s draw presents a familiar challenge. Should he progress through the early rounds, he could encounter world number one Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals – the same opponent who ended his remarkable 2024 run at the semi-final stage before claiming the championship.
Four additional British players secured main draw berths through their rankings, though they face challenging opening assignments.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Emma Raducanu won the US Open in 2021 | GettyKatie Boulter must contend with Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, whilst Sonay Kartal drew Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia, both seeded opponents.
Cameron Norrie, despite being unseeded, encounters another formidable unseeded player in American Sebastian Korda.
Jacob Fearnley rounds out the British contingent, matched against experienced Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.
The tournament begins on Sunday, having been brought forward from its customary Monday start.
Six British singles players will therefore commence their campaigns at Flushing Meadows, with the qualifying rounds determining Raducanu and Draper’s first opponents.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS: