New York City, UNITED STATES – After a record-setting Fan Week saw some 200,000 eager fans stroll the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the final Grand Slam of the tennis season is set to officially get underway on Monday August 26^th.

 

Already we’ve seen familiar scenes: People streaming into the venue; top players on practice courts; qualifiers fighting for spots in the main draw; crowds running from court to court, looking for autographs with those famous oversized US Open tennis balls in their hands.

 

Among it all: The Yonex players assembling to showcase their talents – and make deep runs in Flushing Meadows, Queens.

 

 

Unstoppable Jessica Keeps Running

 

Jessica Pegula (USA) is arguably the most in-form player this summer. At the National Bank Open (Toronto WTA 1000), despite a rough schedule due to rain, she secured five straight wins. The 30-year-old American also made it to the finals at the following Cincinnati Open (WTA 1000).

Many players have struggled with tight schedules and changing environments this summer, but not Pegula. Why? Here’s her answer:

 

"I’m just good at adjusting to situations. I’ve always kind of been like that... with people and different situations. Wherever where I am, I’m pretty good at adapting."

 

Demonstrating outstanding adaptability, she is seeking to win her first Grand Slam title, and will look to make it past the quarter-final stage for the first time in seven attempts.

 

Paolini Aims for Big Success on Hard Courts

 

Long-time Yonex star Jasmine Paolini’s (ITA) performance in Europe captivated tennis fans worldwide. After showcasing her skills on the clay at Roland Garros and the grass at Wimbledon, she is set to compete at the US Open to prove she can excel on any surface.

 

In fact, her breakthrough came on the hard courts at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) in February this year. Her tireless legs, sharp strokes, and bright smile are sure to attract many New York fans.

 

And imagine this: A year ago at the US Open she was unseeded and fell in the first round.

 

Elena Rybakina Opens a New Chapter

 

Elena Rybakina (KAZ), ranked 4th in the world, has been suffering from health issues and has had a difficult season.  In order to change that tide, she announced a split from her longtime coach Stefano Vukov just before the US Open.

 

Can the 2022 Wimbledon champion re-capture some of her best magic?

 

How Far Has Hubert Hurkacz Recovered from His Injury?

 

Hubert Hurkacz (POL), who suffered a knee injury at Wimbledon and underwent surgery, has made an amazingly quick comeback. At the Cincinnati Open, he hurt his calf and had to pull out of the quarter-final match where he was supposed to face fellow Yonex player Frances Tiafoe.

 

Did this cautious break give the No.7 seed the rest he needs? We will see.

 

Casper Ruud is on the Way to Accomplishing His Mission

 

The finalist from two years ago, Casper Ruud (NOR) knows the surface and atmosphere of the National Tennis Center as well as anyone else. Armed with Yonex from head to toe, he is quietly aiming for the title.

 

American Three Musketeers Ready for a Big Triumph

 

Three American gladiators, armed with Yonex racquets, are pushing each other to achieve a big triumph.

 

Leading the way is Ben Shelton (USA). He has made ideal preparations, reaching the quarter-finals at the recent Cincinnati Open. Last year’s breakout semifinalist is now ranked 13th—his career-high—is aiming to advance even further.

 

Right behind Shelton in the rankings is Tommy Paul (USA)., who has won two tour titles this year. He has consistently shown a high level of performance throughout this season, with a winning rate of over 70 percent.

 

And last but not least is the explosive Cincinnati Open finalist, the aforementioned Frances Tiafoe (USA).

 

"It’s been a really tough year," Tiafoe recalled in Cincinnati. "You know, since post-US Open honestly, since I made the quarters there last year (2023), I've struggled to put matches together, taking the game for granted, not having much gratitude, changed coaches, trying to just figure myself out... ”

 

He arrives in New York with a changed perspective, it seems.

 

“[I’m] in a great situation now,” he said. “To be able to make a final in a Masters series, you know, a chance to win it... I couldn't be happier.”

 

So what could we see from “Big Foe” in New York City? Let’s find out.