The men's singles tournament at the US Open this year is highly competitive, with Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic highlighted as potential frontrunners. Alcaraz is making his return to the court at Flushing Meadows after over four months sidelined by a wrist injury, while world No. 1 Jannik Sinner is absent due to injury.

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Djokovic, 39, is positioned for a significant opportunity to claim his 25th Grand Slam singles title, aiming to break a tie with Margaret Court for the all-time record. With Sinner's withdrawal and concerns about Alcaraz's condition, Djokovic's chances may be improved.

However, Djokovic faced challenges during his recent matches, including a second-round defeat at the Cincinnati Open. In the past 11 Grand Slams since his last victory, he has lost nine matches and withdrawn or retired twice, with most defeats coming against either Sinner or Alcaraz.

Alcaraz’s draw is as follows: R1 against Safiullin, R2 against either Brooksby or Faria, R3 against Arnaldi or Wu, and if he advances, he might face Djokovic in the semifinals.

Djokovic, seeded fourth, likely benefits from this position according to former player Ryan Harrison. Being the fourth seed allows him to avoid top-ranked players until potentially the semifinals, which is crucial at his age.

Alcaraz has not defended the US Open title since 2008, and he enters the tournament ranked third in the ATP Race to Turin despite his recent injury-related absences. Annabel Croft, a former British No. 1, expressed excitement over Alcaraz's return, noting his exceptional skill and the impact he has on audiences.

Alexander Zverev, the top seed for the tournament after winning the French Open, faces pressure as he looks to regain form after recent early exits in competitions. He is joined by a group of promising American players, including Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, who stand to benefit from Sinner’s absence as they compete for upper-hand positions.

Rising stars like Rafael Jodar, who is swiftly climbing the ATP rankings, and Arthur Fils, regarded as a standout performer leading into the tournament, add an intriguing dynamic to this year’s competition. Fils, recovering from injury, has made significant strides in his form, showing promise with his powerful game.

The US Open commences on August 30, broadcasting live on Sky Sports.