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August was an action-packed month in tennis, with thrilling events that kept fans on the edge. From Alexei Popyrin's unexpected Masters 1000 victory at the Canadian Open to Aryna Sabalenka's triumphant return from injury in Cincinnati, we all witnessed some unforgettable moments.
September is shaping up to be a game-changing month as well. As the US Open draws to an end and the Laver Cup is on the horizon, we could see two new Grand Slam champions rise and a legend bid farewell.
On that note, here are four predictions that could make this month one to remember:
#4 Iga Swiatek fails to defend China Open title
Iga Swiatek won the 2023 China Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over Liudmila Samsonova. On her path to the final, she overcame the likes of Sara Sorribes Tormo, Varvara Gracheva, Magda Linette, Caroline Garcia, and Coco Gauff.
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It was the Pole's first visit to China, and her victory made her the first player since Serena Williams to win five or more titles in consecutive seasons. The American achieved this feat in 2014 and 2015.
However, defending her title in China this year (17-22 September) might be challenging for Swiatek. Firstly, her form has dipped slightly compared to her red-hot performance last year, following her French Open win. Secondly, Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated the World No. 1 in a dominant semifinal performance at the Cincinnati Open last month, poses a strong threat.
Jessica Pegula is another strong contender, having won the Canadian Open and reached the Cincinnati final.
#3 Women’s tennis to have a new Grand Slam champion
Previous Grand Slam champions have won this year's Major titles so far: Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open, Iga Swiatek at the French Open, and Barbora Krejcikova at Wimbledon. However, the ongoing US Open might break the pattern.
Players still in the draw at the New York Slam chasing their first Major include Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and Karolina Muchova.
Among them, Pegula and Muchova have the strongest chances of lifting the women's singles trophy on September 8. The Czech is also a former Grand Slam finalist (French Open 2023) and semifinalist at Flushing Meadows last year. If everything falls into place, we could very well see a new champion crowned.
#2 Rafael Nadal announces retirement after Laver Cup
Rafael Nadal has suggested he might retire at the end of the 2024 season, though he hasn’t confirmed it yet. He could likely bid his farewell at the Laver Cup, similar to how his close friend and rival Roger Federer was honored in 2022.
Nadal is set to join Team Europe at the tournament, starting September 20 at the Uber Arena in Berlin. He will be playing alongside the likes of Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and others under the guidance of 11-time Grand Slam champion Bjorn Borg.
Not only do we think so, but Federer also believes that the Laver Cup might be the Spaniard's swan song. Speaking recently on 'The Today Show,' the Swiss noted:
"Say goodbye, maybe. But it would be great if, of course, if Rafa can play at the Laver Cup. He's said he's gonna play that, but you know again, he can do whatever he wants. That was the incredible moment in my career."
#1 Frances Tiafoe wins US Open 2024
Frances Tiafoe has been on an impressive run at the 2024 US Open, defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic, Alexander Shevchenko, Ben Shelton, Alexei Popyrin, and Grigor Dimitrov (who retired) to reach the semifinals in New York for the second time in three years. His previous semifinal appearance in 2022 ended with a loss to Carlos Alcaraz.
Tiafoe will face Taylor Fritz in the last four on September 7, marking the first All-American showdown at this stage since 2005, when Andre Agassi defeated Robby Ginepri. Regardless of the outcome, an American will advance to the championship match at Flushing Meadows.
Given Tiafoe’s return to top form after a mid-season slump, he could very well be the one to make it to the final and potentially win the title.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
