Djokovic Handed Easiest US Open Draw, Alcaraz Second According To AI

Sunday, 27 August 2023 at 01:00

byErik Virostko

The 2023 US Open is here, and we know who are the players that should have the easiest path to the trophy.

Everyday fans, but also tennis players, can see artificial intelligence being used in the tennis world. It was used in various ways recently at Wimbledon, and a few months later, the US Open followed this trend.

At the 2023 Wimbledon, Alcaraz received the easiest draw, according to AI, while Djokovic was second. That proved to be correct, as the Spaniard eventually won the title, beating the 36-year-old Serb in the final.

This time, the USTA's collaboration with IBM offers a comprehensive AI Draw Analysis again. While the women's draw conclusions showed Coco Gauff with the most favourable route, the men's analysis surfaced, and the findings are compelling.

Novak Djokovic finds himself at the top of the list. Not a huge shock, given his historical dominance and the structured seeding system that prevents early clashes between top players. Moreover, he recently defeated Carlos Alcaraz in an epic Cincinnati final. The Serbian, striving for another major title, will kick off his campaign against Alexandre Muller from France.

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Close on Djokovic's heels is the top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard will begin his quest against German player Dominik Koepfer. If the defending champion wins, he'll play against either Lloyd Harris or Guido Pella, and according to the AI, he received the second easiest, or the second 'most favourable draw.'

The third slot belongs to Italy's Jannik Sinner, whose gameplay has been setting the courts ablaze. He will set his sights on his maiden Grand Slam title, starting his journey against Yannick Hanfmann from Germany, and potentially playing against fellow compatriot Lorenzo Sonego in the second round.

The third-seeded Daniil Medvedev, is fourth on the list. The former US Open champion, known for his distinctive style, begins his campaign against Attila Balasz from Hungary, and he will want to stop the two biggest favourites from winning again.

Finally, the fifth position sees home-favourite, Frances Tiafoe. The Maryland-born player is only the tenth seed, but he reached the US Open semifinals last year, and in the first round of this year's competition, he will play against world no. 690 Learner Tien, who received a wild card.