Who are the 3 biggest beneficiaries of Jannik Sinner’s US Open exit, according to Serena Williams’ former - The Times of India

Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal has changed the picture at the US Open, and Patrick Mouratoglou believes three players could gain more than just a favorable draw. The world No. 1 pulled out on Friday because of a knee injury, leaving Carlos Alcaraz as the other major question mark after a long layoff. Alcaraz has not played since April and only recently resumed high-intensity training. Mouratoglou believes Alexander Zverev, Joao Fonseca Jodar and Ben Shelton now have a rare opening to make a major move.Who could benefit most from Sinner’s US Open withdrawal?Mouratoglou’s argument goes beyond simply having fewer tough opponents in the draw. He believes an unexpected opening at the top can change how a player sees himself, especially if he manages to turn that opportunity into a Grand Slam title.“Second, there is a space because there is a moment when the top guys are not here, and one or two guys take that space.”That idea has already played out for Zverev. At Roland Garros, he benefited from Alcaraz being out and Sinner struggling with heatstroke before going on to win his first major.“Once they have this space, their confidence is completely different. And then they’re potentially able to be the best.”Zverev now has another chance. The German finally ended years of disappointment by winning his first Grand Slam at Roland Garros, then reached his first Wimbledon final before losing to Sinner. His hard-court preparation has been less convincing, though, with an early loss in Canada and a fourth-round defeat to Tommy Paul in Cincinnati.Still, Sinner’s absence gives Zverev a clear path to another deep run.Could Jodar or Shelton change their careers at the US Open?Mouratoglou also pointed to Jodar and Shelton, arguing that either player could emerge from the Sinner-Alcaraz uncertainty with a career-changing breakthrough.“Same if Jodar or Shelton wins the US Open, thanks also to the absence of the best two or the fact that they’re not 100% ready, then those two guys can have a completely different career. You know, take the space and go to another level.”That is a significant claim because winning a Grand Slam can alter expectations as much as rankings. Zverev’s Roland Garros triumph is the example Mouratoglou keeps returning to.He also stressed that beating the best players remains the hardest route to becoming a champion. Zverev reached the Wimbledon final but could not finish the job against Sinner.“Is it enough to beat Alcaraz and Sinner? Apparently not. He lost in the final of Wimbledon. But we feel that it’s closer.”The US Open could therefore offer something different. Sinner is gone, while Alcaraz arrives without a competitive match since April. For Zverev, Jodar and Shelton, the question is no longer whether the door is open. It is whether one of them can push through it and make the opportunity matter.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.