The struggles of American men over the past few decades have, fortunately, not impacted women.
Sloane Stephens (2017) and Coco Gauff (2023), who have won major trophies in Serena Williams’ absence, have won the US Open.
Gauff’s victory 12 months ago marked her first Grand Slam title and she is now hungry to win more.
Her preparations before this fortnight had not been great, but reaching the semi-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon earlier in the year will have given her confidence that she can defend her title at Queen’s.
Gauff’s second-round match against Tatjana Maria will take place on Arthur Ashe at 7 pm ET, 4 pm PT, midnight BST.