In a matchup that is sure to evoke some unpleasant memories, Dominic Thiem is set to face off against Shelton once again at the US Open. Last year, Thiem faced Shelton in the second round, where he ultimately retired after losing the first set in a tiebreaker. Despite his struggles last year, Thiem’s career has continued on a downward trajectory, with a 2-7 record in 2024 and a ranking of 209th. The Austrian has announced his plans to retire at the end of the season, marking a disappointing turn for the former US Open champion.
As Thiem prepares to bid farewell to the tour, he will be looking to give New Yorkers a final glimpse of his best tennis. However, his sentimental favoritism may be overshadowed by the hometown support for Shelton, an American player with a history of performing well on big stages. With solid performances in D.C. and Cincinnati this summer, Shelton is poised to make a strong run at the US Open, especially with his powerful 140-mph serve that could prove challenging for Thiem to counter. Despite Thiem’s elegant one-handed backhand, Shelton’s aggressive play style may prove too much to handle.
Moving over to Louis Armstrong Stadium, a highly anticipated match between two rising stars, Zheng and Anisimova, is set to take place. Zheng, coming off an Olympic gold medal win in Paris, will face off against Anisimova, who recently made a strong comeback at the WTA 1000 event in Montreal. Both players have shown their capabilities by upsetting top-ranked opponents, setting the stage for an exciting clash of power hitters.
With both players eager to make a statement in the tournament, the match is likely to be a battle of nerves and mental fortitude. Anisimova, known for her easy power on the court, will need to handle the pressure of the moment, while Zheng’s heavy ball and aggressive style of play could give her the edge. As the two young talents vie for a spot in the next round, the outcome of the match will ultimately be determined by who can maintain their focus under the spotlight.
In what promises to be an exhilarating showdown, Zheng’s consistency and determination may give her the slight advantage over Anisimova in this first-round clash. As the excitement builds for the US Open, fans can look forward to witnessing these compelling matchups unfold on the court.
