US Open 2024: 3 players who can take advantage of Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz's shocking exits to win the men's singles title

The 2024 US Open has been full of upsets and surprising results, with Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz crashing out in their campaigns' early rounds. World No. 2 Alcaraz was coming on the back of being the French Open and Wimbledon champion this year. At the same time, Djokovic clinched the Gold at the Paris Olympics. Their sudden defeats to moderately lower-ranked opponents have shocked fans even more.

However, with big names crashing out, it has created opportunities for other tennis stars to take center stage. The high-profile American contingent has been performing well, with Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe looking in good form in front of the home crowd.

Let's look at three favorites who could challenge for the 2024 US Open trophy in New York.

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#3. Frances Tiafoe

Tennis: ATP Tour - Stuttgart... - Source: Getty

Third on the list is America's Frances Tiafoe, who has been in great form this year. He defeated his fellow countryman Ben Shelton at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a grueling five-set encounter 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3 in the third round to take his place in the Round of 16.

He will face Australia's Alexei Popyrin, who shocked everyone after defeating reigning US Open champion Novak Djokovic in four sets 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Tiafoe has won 61% of his matches this year and has also performed well on the hard court, winning 58%.

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#2. Alexander Zverev

Italian International Tennis tournament in Rome - Source: Getty

Second on the favorites list to lift this year's US Open trophy is Germany's Alexander Zverev, who has also been in great form. He was the runner-up at the French Open, losing to Carlos Alcaraz, whose exit from the tournament allows him to go all the way. Zverev reached the final at Flushing Meadows in 2020 but could not lift the trophy.

In the 2024 US Open, he won against Argentina's Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the third round in four sets, 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-3, making his way into the Round of 16. He is set to face Brandon Nakashima in front of his home crowd. Zverev has won 70% of his matches this year, putting him in pole position to reach the final.

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#1. Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner Celebrates Australian Open Victory - Source: Getty

World No. 1 and current Australian Open champion, Jannik Sinner, is the favorite to win the tournament now that big names like Djokovic and Alcaraz are out. He has already been in great form on hard courts this year, winning the Australian Open and the Cincinnati Masters.

Sinner defeated Zverev and Tiafoe in the semifinals and final, respectively, to win the tournament, making him a better contender than them. He has also enjoyed a 90% win rate this year, combined with his excellent under-pressure performances, which showcase his mentality to go all the way in this year's US Open.