US Open: Borna Coric might pose a significant threat to the top ranking

The "NextGen", or the promising young stars of tennis, were expected to take over. Daniil Medvedev won the US Open champion in 2021, Alexander Zverev clinched Olympic gold, and 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz made history by besting the game's top players.

However, they have not been able to make the most out of Nadal and Djokovic's collapse. Both players won at least one Grand Slam this year. In addition, two unseeded players - Pablo Carreno Busta and Borna Coric- picked up two Masters 1000 events in the build-up to the US Open. 

Coric thrashed Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6 6-2 in the summit clash of the Cincinnati Masters. The Croatian has been competing in tournaments through a protected ranking as he was off the court between February 2021 and March 2022 due to a shoulder injury. 

In 2018, Coric snapped up the grasscourt title in Halle after besting Zverev and Roger Federer. He overcame Medvedev at the Flushing Meadows, besides Stan Wawrinka, Juan Martin del Potro, and Federer en route to the final match of the Shanghai Masters the same year. 

Coric's comeback would be gradual, even though he has a few ATP victories. In July, the Croatian was dispatched by world number 195 Gastao Elias.

The American hard courts change the pace of the Croatian's recovery following shoulder surgery. His serve has shown more accuracy, and his backhand has become an effective weapon for the 25-year-old. 

His newfound attacking style has toppled Tsitsipas 7-0 in the first set tiebreaker in the final and has culminated into one single set drop over a week-long tour.  

Why should other players watch out for Coric?

Coric winning the Cincinnati Masters has announced his hunger to become a world-class player, further highlighted by his victories against five top 10 seeds, including Nadal and Tsitsipas. 

Coric, who entered the tournament as world number 152, will now be seeded in New York as he looks to challenge high-ranked players. Carreno Busta, winner of the Canada Masters this year, might also be a formidable contender. 

In addition, Kyrgios accentuated his deep run at Wimbledon with a victory at the ATP 500 event in Washington. Americans Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz look strong this season and are expected to catch up with the top-ranked players. 

This means Tsitsipas, Medvedev, and Alcaraz, neither of whom won a single Major hardcourt title this year, besides Zverev and Djokovic's absence from the draw, might leave fans in shock due to the level of uncertainty present in ATP.