Event of the Day: The US Open Day 1
Our event of the day is the first day of the US Open at Flushing Meadows in New York. The final grand slam of the year boasts the biggest names on the tennis circuit. Defending champion Sloane Stephens begins her title defence against Evgeniya Rodina. The American captured her maiden grand slam title on home soil a year ago against compatriot Madison Keys. The great Serena Williams has won her home grand slam on six occasions. Her quest for a seventh title starts against world number sixty Magda Linette. World number one Simona Halep has had a strong 2018, reaching the final of the Australian Open and winning her first grand slam title at Roland-Garros. Injury forced her out of the Connecticut Open, but she will still be confident of making what has already been a superb year even better. The Romanian faces Kaia Kanepi of Estonia in her opening round match.
The men’s draw is just as captivating. World number one and reigning champion Rafael Nadal has been drawn a tough opening match against former world number three and grand slam finalist David Ferrer. However, the Spaniards’ form has hugely suffered over the last two years, and he has slumped to 148 in the world. A hugely entertaining encounter can be expected between eighth seed Grigor Dimitrov and 2016 US Open champion Stan Wawrinka. The former world number three has had mixed fortunes since his comeback from injury. However, just last month he somewhat surprisingly knocked Dimitrov out of Wimbledon. Andy Murray also continues his comeback. He plays in his first grand slam since his injury. The 2012 champion opens his campaign against James Duckworth of Australia. Kevin Anderson, fresh from his superb showing at Wimbledon, plays Ryan Harrison, whilst the man Anderson knocked out of the Wimbledon semi-finals, John Isner, has been drawn against fellow American Bradley Klahn. With the world’s best all on display, expect a fantastic fortnight of tennis.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Tottenham at Old Trafford. The pressure is mounting on Manchester United manager José Mourinho following their defeat at Brighton last weekend. He will be desperate to send out a statement against a Tottenham side still looking strong despite no summer additions. In Serie A, Roma host Atalanta, whilst in La Liga, Athletic Bilbao welcome SD Huesca. Elsewhere in Spain, the third stage of the Vuelta a España gets underway in Mijas. Meanwhile in the States, MLB action comes from Yankee Stadium, where the New York Yankees meet the Chicago White Sox. In the final of the Women’s Cricket Super League, Loughborough Lightning will face the winner of the semi-final between Surrey Stars and Western Storm, which takes place earlier in the day at the County Ground in Hove. The postponed Vitality Blast quarter final clash between Somerset and Notts takes place at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton. An assortment of sporting action will be on display in Indonesia, where it’s day nine of the Asian Games.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by US Open