Serena Williams era ends and other US Open talking points

The closing Grand Slam of the season is upon us in New York and there is a lot on the line. Here’s a look at some of the main talking points at this US Open.

Serena’s farewell

This is expected to be Serena Williams’ final tournament as a professional tennis player. The 23-time Grand Slam champion will take on Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic in a night session first round showdown on Monday, and is also signed up for the doubles event alongside her sister Venus.

The Williams sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together and are getting the band back together for what is likely going to be the last time.

Opening night in New York is the hottest ticket in town at the moment as Kovinic attempts to usher Serena into retirement.

“I was happy; I won’t lie,” Kovinic told the Associated Press about her reaction to her first-round draw. “It’s a privilege to share the court with Serena.”

Fierce battle for men’s top spot

Five men have the chance to conclude the US Open as the world No.1.

Defending champion and current No.1 Daniil Medvedev could be replaced by Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz or Casper Ruud at the summit in two weeks’ time.

There are multiple scenarios for each player to secure the top ranking and title. If Nadal and Medvedev square off in the final, or Medvedev, Tsitsipas or Ruud take on Alcaraz in the final, the winner would snag the world No.1 ranking.

Pressure mounting but not everyone is feeling it

Britain’s Emma Raducanu insists she isn’t feeling any pressure ahead of her title defense in New York, while four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka admits she is a bit anxious.

Raducanu became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam when she stormed to the title in New York