Emma Raducanu has been handed a brutally tough path at the US Open, with the draw presenting a potential quarter-final showdown against world number one Jannik Sinner and an all-British clash with Jack Draper looming large in the early stages.
The 2021 champion, who enters the tournament on a protected ranking, faces a formidable first-round opponent in Russian qualifier Emina Bektas. Should she progress, a blockbuster third-round meeting with fellow Briton Draper awaits, setting up what could be one of the most dramatic early matches of the tournament.
A Daunting Path to Glory
Raducanu's potential route through the tournament represents one of the most challenging draws of any seeded player. Beyond the projected clash with Draper, the tennis phenom would likely face sixteenth seed Alexandrina Panova before a potential quarter-final confrontation with Italian sensation Sinner.
The draw compounds what has already been a difficult preparation for Raducanu, who recently withdrew from the Washington Open due to a wrist injury. Her journey back to the top of the game faces its sternest test in New York.
British Contingent Faces Tough Tests
Fellow Britons Katie Boulter and Cam Norrie also face challenging opening matches. Boulter is set to face former world number two Paula Badosa, while Norrie will take on Italian Federico Coria in his first-round encounter.
The draw has set up multiple potential all-British clashes throughout the tournament, adding an extra layer of drama to the British tennis campaign in Flushing Meadows.
Sinner's Dominant Form
World number one Jannik Sinner enters the tournament as one of the clear favourites, fresh from his impressive victory at the Toronto Masters. The Italian star's powerful baseline game and improved serve make him a formidable obstacle for any player in his section of the draw.
Should Raducanu navigate her way through the early rounds, her potential meeting with Sinner would represent a classic clash of styles and generations, pitting the 2021 champion against the current world's best player.
The US Open begins on August 26th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, with all eyes on whether Raducanu can overcome her nightmare draw and recreate the magic of her stunning 2021 triumph.
