US Open Tennis TV Schedule 2016: Tournament Viewing Info and Early Predictions

This year’s U.S. Open won’t feel the same without Roger Federer.

The five-time Open champion, who lost to Marin Cilic in last year’s final, will sit out the major for the first time since 1998 after undergoing knee surgery last month. Although Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray remain the favorites to triumph in New York, Federer’s absence could create an opening for other competitors who are looking to infiltrate the men’s exclusive top tier.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams continues her quest for Grand Slam title No. 23, which would set a new record for majors won in the Open Era. She won’t have to deal with familiar foe Victoria Azarenka, who is away from tennis because of her pregnancy. 

Even without those two top players, the 2016 U.S. Open will showcase plenty of talent in Flushing, Queens. Here’s a rundown of the event’s TV schedule. We’ll also make some predictions about the year’s final major, which starts Monday.

Predictions

Serena Williams Breaks Grand Slam Record

For someone who has made the finals in all three 2016 majors and will chase history, Williams isn’t entering New York with her usual buzz. 

A heavy favorite to win gold for the United States in the 2016 Summer Olympics, she instead suffered a third-round upset to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in straight sets. Serena and her sister Venus also lost in the first round of doubles play, and she has not competed since due to an injured shoulder.

While she was out, Angelique Kerber nearly ended Williams’ 183-week reign as the No. 1 player in the world. Kerber ultimately squandered the opportunity by losing to Karolina Pliskova in the Western and Southern Open final.

After the defeat, Kerber did not lament staying stuck at No. …

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