BY POKUAH FRIMPONG 

Lights shine bright on Flushing Meadows, a few days before the 2020 US Open Championship.  

The likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty will abandon this year's open due to the pandemic, they leave the tournament a little less star studded. 

However, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Andy Murray and many other stars will set out on a two week-long journey in the hope of being crowned the 2020 US Open champion. 

MOJO News has run an eye over the tournament, and here is our analysis of the top five chances on both sides of the draw.

Novak Djokovic 

Favourite for the 2020 US Open and leading the pack is Novak Djokovic. 

Being one of the few men in the draw to have tasted success at a Grand Slam Djokovic is in good stead to do it once again. 

While he’s faced a difficult year off the court after testing positive for COVID-19 in early June, his tennis hasn’t suffered, as he won all of his 20 matches this year.

Djokovic’s mental focus, accompanied with a relatively easy draw, will prove to be an important factor in the latter part of the tournament. 

Considering he’s known to feed off the energy of the stadium, the lack of crowds will test him. 

Dominic Thiem

Focussing on dominating his opponents and being decisive with his shot selection, Dominic Thiem is better placed than most to be in the last few at Flushing Meadows.

In a draw shallow with Grand Slam winners, he is one of the only few to have been to a Grand Slam final. 

While Theim has never won a major, he is undoubtedly one of the most gifted players in the draw with a clear mental edge over some of his younger compatriots. 

If Thiem can get past the early rounds and remain fit, he is certainly in the picture to have a rematch with likely grand-finalist Djokovic and get a shot at redemption. 

Daniil Medvedev

After finishing runner up in last year’s tournament, Daniil Medvedev has taken strides to prove he is certainly one of the best in the men’s game.

A dominant serve and relentless passion for the game on his side, Medvedev can never be counted out. 

This was on show at last year's Flushing Meadows final, coming from two sets down against Rafael Nadal to force a deciding fifth set which he ultimately lost.

If Medvedev can stay consistent and focused during his matches, he is sure to be there in later stages of the tournament. 

Milos Raonic

At times considered a robot for his attention to detail and routines, Milos Raonic is never far from Grand Slam glory. 

Raonic prior to the unprecedented year 2020 has been, was on the path of reminding tennis fans why he was considered one of the best young prospects.

Working in his favour is his merciless forehand and improved movement, making him one to look out for.

The biggest hurdle he faces is the draw, due to his poor seeding. This could prove to be his biggest opponent, along with Raonic having to overcome a few big names.

Stefanos Tsitsipas

As one of the most exciting players on the men’s tour, Stefanos Tsitsipas is a bright light in the future of men’s tennis. 

Showmanship which is unmatched, ferocious ground strokes and incredible movement, make Tsitsipas a challenge for anyone he faces.

A lack of crowd support could prove to be a challenge for him, as he feeds off their energy during matches to stay focused and motivated.

If he can remain in the game at all times, he is a big contender. Otherwise he may be saying farewell earlier than hoped. 

Women’s Draw

Serena Williams

She  is arguably the greatest female tennis player of all time.

A likely favourite for the women’s draw Serena Williams serves are unmatched. She also has the spirit of a champion coupled with groundstrokes likely to crush opponents. 

Still on the search for her maiden Grand Slam since the birth of her daughter, this year’s open in her home country could be the perfect setting for her to do it. 

If Williams can control her serve and remain consistent, she is sure to take a power of beating.

Naomi Osaka

After splitting from former coach Sacha Bajin in early 2019, Naomi Osaka has been a real hit or miss in tournaments.

She is arguably one of the best women in this draw, with unmatched speed and agility.

In the venue where she won her first grand slam after beating Williams, in one of the most controversial matches the Open has ever seen, -  the stage is perfectly set for her. 

Like many others, Osaka’s main draw is her consistency, however she has the game and potential to be a serious contender once again. 

Sofia Kenin

As a rising star in the women’s game, Sofia Kenin has shot to mainstream popularity with her win at the 2020 Australian Open. 

A fearless tenacity in her corner and abundance of energy, Kenin is built to be a star. Her technical ability and determination are huge factors keeping her in every match.

Being seeded second in the draw is sure to help her avoid some of those early challenges she could face and build a rhythm for the tournament. 

Flushing Meadows could prove to add to the fairy-tale year this young American has had. 

Petra Kvitová

Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitová is one of the most experienced women on the tour and in a tournament like never before, her experience could prove vital.

Kvitová is blessed with a serving ability only rivalled by Serena Williams in women’s tennis along with the consistency to match.

Although Kvitová often fails to dominate opponents, as perhaps her stats suggest she should, recent months of rest could prove vital in her quest for Grand Slam number two. 

Angelique Kerber

Receiving a deceivingly low rank in the WTA at the moment, but with a game built on power and an outstanding forehand Angelique Kerber is undoubtedly one of the favourites for this year’s tournament. 

Kerber has always boasted of a superior record on hardcourts and her ability to control the baseline while remaining focused is why she is one of the best in today’s game.

Even though Kerber has been down on her luck and form in recent times, with the benefit of a  shallow draw, she might actually be able to make it to the final days by doing what she does best. 

SCHEDULE:

For Australian viewers, the first round of the US open will start on Tuesday the September, 1 at 3am (11am Monday local time).

All the action can be caught on Kayo, Foxtel, or ESPN.

The quarterfinals, semifinals along with the men’s and women's championship can all be watched on SBS.