TIM HENMAN PREDICTS THE US OPEN WINNER – AND IT’S NOT NOVAK DJOKOVIC, CARLOS ALCARAZ OR JANNIK SINNER
Tim Henman believes Alexander Zverev is flying under the radar at the 2024 US Open and backed the world No 4 over Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to win the title.
The former British No 1 described Zverev’s level of play as “underrated” and feels the German has been “knocking on the door for so long” that he is set for his major breakthrough.
Zverev is chasing his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open, with many considering the former world No 2 one of the best players to not win a major.
The 27-year-old is a two-time Grand Slam runner-up and lost both finals in five sets: to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open and Carlos Alcaraz at this year’s French Open.
Zverev led by two sets to love and served for the match against Thiem, while he saw a two sets to one lead slip away against Alcaraz.
The German has won 22 ATP singles titles, including two ATP Finals crowns, an Olympic gold medal, and six Masters 1000 tournaments.
US Open News
Novak Djokovic becomes first player to reach staggering Grand Slam milestone at US Open
Speaking on Sky Sports, Henman revealed why he feels Zverev’s time to win a major has arrived.
“I like to go slightly off-piste at times and I think when you look at the top three of Sinner, Djokovic and Alcaraz, they are phenomenal players, they have won plenty of Grand Slams, so they have a good opportunity,” said the six-time major semi-finalist.
“But I just think Zverev is under the radar. I think Zverev’s level of play is underrated. When he is playing averagely, that keeps him in the top 10.
“I just feel that he has been knocking on the door for so long, that door is going to open. I do believe I have taken a bit of a punt, but I’m comfortable with that.”
Zverev could meet No 2 seed and defending champion Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals, while he may face either Sinner or Alcaraz if he reaches the final.
Henman also outlined why he does not think world No 1 and Australian Open winner Sinner will win triumph at Flushing Meadows.
“I didn’t pick Sinner because of his hip in Cincinnati,” explained the former world No 4. “We were right by the side of the court and he looked really uncomfortable between so many points.
“When you think then coming into a Grand Slam, best of five set matches, over two weeks. Seven victories he’d need. I think it’s unlikely.
“Then you add into it that he’s tested positive for an illegal substance and been through that whole process which he’s been cleared of. That’s going to be a distraction and has been a massive talking point within our sport.”
READ NEXT: Daniil Medvedev makes ‘scared’ admission as he speaks out on Jannik Sinner doping case