Former British No 1 and 2004 US Open semi-finalist Tim Henman is hoping to see another blockbuster final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic as their rivalry intensifies; watch the final Grand Slam of the year in New York - live on Sky Sports Tennis
Thursday 31 August 2023 06:21, UK
Sky Sports analyst Tim Henman says he would want to see Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic meet in the US Open final, but believes hard court conditions bring more names into the frame.
Djokovic is chasing a men's record-extending 24th Grand Slam title in New York, where he has collected the trophy three times but also suffered bitter disappointment in the past.
The 36-year-old has rolled into Flushing Meadows in peak form after defeating 20-year-old Alcaraz in an epic Cincinnati final that he called "one of the best, most exciting, and most difficult finals" he had ever played.
Djokovic for me is still the player to beat. He won the first two Slams, he was in the final at Wimbledon, losing in a fifth set so it's not as if his levels have dropped in any shape or form.
Djokovic beat Alcaraz in the French Open semi-finals this year, en route to his third title at Roland Garros. But he came up short against his young challenger in a rollercoaster ride of a final at Wimbledon.
Asked if he thinks we could see another final between the two faces of men's tennis at Flushing Meadows, the former British No 1 told Sky Sports: "It could happen, they're playing that well. But I think just because of the nature of conditions on hard courts there are a lot more players who will be throwing their hat in the ring.
"[Daniil] Medvedev's won there before, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas plays well, [Andrey] Rublev [too], on hard courts. [Jannik] Sinner I think for me is one that's going to win majors in future. So the list is long. But if we could sign up for another Alcaraz-Djokovic final, I'd certainly put my name down for that.
"It's early stages [of a rivalry] but I love the fact that they are very much at the different ends of their careers.
"Alcaraz has burst onto the scene in the last couple of years and having won two majors and been world No 1, it's incredible what he's achieved so early on.
"But Djokovic for me is still the player to beat. He won the first two Slams, he was in the final at Wimbledon, losing in a fifth set so it's not as if his levels have dropped in any shape or form. Hopefully there's a lot more to talk about with that rivalry in the future."
The Spaniard has been able to apply small, yet significant details to his forehand spin rate across the three surfaces. His ability to adapt his game for different surfaces has enabled him to become a multiple Grand Slam champion at the age of 20.
Fellow Sky Sports analyst Feliciano Lopez says Alcaraz and Djokovic are a long way ahead of their competitors, but he's tipping his fellow countryman to successfully defend his title in New York.
"There's a big gap between Carlos, Novak and the rest of the players, especially after the two matches they played at Wimbledon and Cincinnati so everyone is now waiting for the rematch, but there is still a lot of work to be done," said the former US Open quarter-finalist.
"On Carlos' side of the draw, he has a long way to the final because he could potentially face Sinner in the quarter-finals and then Medvedev, so it's a long way to go still."
The US Open is back on Sky Sports with the promise to give fans live coverage of the Grand Slam like never before.
Sky welcomes tennis back to its channels, adding to the existing sports portfolio and reaffirming the broadcaster as the home of live sport in the UK & Ireland.
Sky Sports' new mixed reality studio features multiple custom-built LED screens, integrated light 'sabres', and an open canopy roof, making the space alive with colour and energy to reflect the vibrancy of the last Grand Slam of the year.
With integrated AR capabilities, a versatile LED floor, and a 'fourth wall', the viewer will be transported to the Arthur Ashe Stadium in a 360-degree immersive environment. Our tennis experts will take the viewer into the eyes of the players for expert Hawkeye analysis and insight as the tournament progresses.
The technology involved allows us to add an entirely new dimension and will bring customers closer to the action.
Highlights of matches will be available across Sky Sports TV and our social media platforms.
Video highlights will also be available on the Sky Sports website and app, where there will also be a daily live text commentary on the Sky Sports website and app, as well as live scores, reports, analysis and features.
Stream the US Open on Sky Sports with NOW for just £26 a month for 12 months. Cancel anytime.
