By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, October 2 2022
The ATP will kick into a higher gear next week, with 500 level events in Astana, Kazakhstan and Tokyo, Japan.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap in Astana, which has become a permanent member of the ATP Tour this season and is now a 500-level event.
Astana Open, Kazakhstan
Top Seeds
1. Carlos Alcaraz
2. Daniil Medvedev
3. Stefanos Tsitsipas
4. Novak Djokovic
5. Andrey Rublev
6. Hubert Hurkacz
7. Felix Auger-Aliassime
8. Marin Cilic
See the draw here
Key storylines
US Open champion Alcaraz returns to the tour
The No.1 storyline in Astana is the return of Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard did compete at Davis Cup two weeks ago, but this event will mark his first tournament as a Grand Slam champion and the ATP’s top-ranked player. Things will not be simple for Alcaraz – he will face Denmark’s Holger Rune, a fellow swashbuckling teen, in his first match.
Djokovic riding hot hand
21-time major champion will look to back up his strong performance in Tel Aviv, where he won his 89th career title without the loss of a set. The Serb, seeded fourth and in the lower half of the draw, opens with Cristian Garin in the first round.
Medvedev and Auger-Aliassime potential quarterfinal
No.2-seeded Daniil Medvedev anchors the bottom half of the draw, and will face Albert Ramos-Vinolas in his first match. The Russian could end up facing Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals if the seeds hold.
Auger-Aliassime has been in good form after the US Open, notching wins over Carlos Alcaraz at Davis Cup and Novak Djokovic at Laver Cup. The Canadian faces Roberto Bautista Agut in his first round match.