As a rule, without exception, the previous hours in the grand slams They live very intensely. For the situations they expect, for the possibilities that present themselves to the players, for the expectations, for the speculations, for the projections … The combinations are truly fascinating. Not only do they open up a series of debates and comments, but they fuel those who love statistics to put everything at stake on the table.

And as in all great families, in the Grand Slam family, as in any other, there is always a member who loves action, dizziness, drama, spectacle … And most importantly, like the night E yes, you have already guessed: we are at the gates of the United States Open, in the only one New York. Yup, the US Open is coming which in this edition, of course, will have strong emotions, as always happens in this place.

Serena Williams says goodbye to tennis on a court that has seen her triumph six times. A court in which she lived, perhaps, the most spectacular moments of her career. Although she also had those setbacks like in 2015 when she unexpectedly lost in the semifinals to the Italian Roberta Vinci, when he had a chance to win all four majors in the same year. Or when he had to face that well-remembered final, in 2018, against Noemi Osaka where we all know what happened – he lost 6-2 and 6-4-. But the truth is, the US Open will start greeting Serena on Monday. In every movement of the American there will be moments of anxiety, joy and, in some cases, even a lot of melancholy.

Like any Grand Slam that has enormous strength and sturdiness, The US Open will have to put up with the absence of Novak Djokovic, the Wimbledon winner who was unable to enter North America due to his decision not to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The tournament will not lose interest, but it is known that nobody likes the absence of one of the greatest figures on the circuit. The rules on immigration and health have not changed although Nole waited until the end if an exception had been granted or a change of rule had occurred. Nor will it be alexander zverevwho has not recovered from the injury that took him out of Roland Garros.

On the other hand, fans will be looking forward to reliving what is very fresh in their memories: the triumph of the British Emma Raducanureleased from the rankings last year and without giving up the sets, he won the title by beating records by walking.

There is also enormous anxiety because it is known that there are five players who have the opportunity to leave New York with the number one in the world in your hands. Let’s talk about Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud. In this order there are also those who have the greatest possibilities. Because Nadal and Medvedev depend on themselves. Obviously the Spaniard is the one with the most chances because without winning the title he too can climb to the top of the standings. Same goes for the Russian, who has slightly more complex conditions to keep up with everyone.

The concrete thing is that New York is ready for a party. And that beautiful electricity already runs strong in the blood of all lovers of good tennis.