Men's Singles: The Returning Champion
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz enters the tournament as a major question mark but an undeniable favourite. A wrist injury sidelined him for four months, forcing him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon. His return to the tour is a welcome sight,
but the lack of competitive matches since April makes his form uncertain. However, Alcaraz is a two-time US Open winner and started the year in blistering fashion by capturing the Australian Open title. He possesses an all-court game perfectly suited for New York's fast surfaces and has a history of thriving under the pressure of Arthur Ashe Stadium. If he can shake off the rust quickly, his blend of power, agility, and big-match mentality makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw.
Men's Singles: The Next Tier
With World No. 1 Jannik Sinner forced to withdraw due to a persistent knee injury, the men's draw has opened up significantly. This puts Alexander Zverev in a prime position to challenge. The German finally broke through for his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open this year and has been a consistent performer at the majors in 2026. His powerful serve and heavy groundstrokes are major weapons on hard courts. Also, never count out Novak Djokovic. The 39-year-old is still chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title and proved he remains a threat by reaching the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semifinals this season. His experience and unparalleled mental game make him a dangerous floater in the draw.
Women's Singles: The Queen of Queens
On the women's side, all eyes are on Aryna Sabalenka, who is chasing history. The world No. 1 is the two-time defending champion and aims to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams did it from 2012-14. Sabalenka's aggressive, first-strike tennis is tailor-made for Flushing Meadows, where she has reached at least the semifinals in the last five editions. While she has yet to win a Grand Slam in 2026, her dominance in New York makes her the undisputed favourite. The pressure of a 'three-peat' will be immense, but her power from the baseline gives her the ability to take the racquet out of her opponent's hands.
Women's Singles: The Polish Powerhouse
Iga Swiatek arrives in New York with strong momentum. The 2022 US Open champion may be known as a clay-court specialist, but she reminded everyone of her hard-court prowess by winning the National Bank Open in Montreal. Throughout 2026, she has been refining her game for faster surfaces, looking to take the ball earlier and be more aggressive. While she has withdrawn from the mixed doubles event to focus on her singles campaign, her proven championship pedigree and elite movement make her one of Sabalenka's biggest threats.
Women's Singles: The Home Hope
Coco Gauff is carrying the hopes of the home nation, and she's coming in hot. The 2023 US Open champion recently captured her second Cincinnati Open title, a result that propelled her to glory in New York three years ago. After a period where her serve was a liability, the 22-year-old appears to have found her rhythm and confidence at the perfect time. Her commanding performance in Cincinnati, where she beat Jessica Pegula in the final, has re-established her as a top-tier contender. With the energy of the New York crowd behind her, the World No. 4 has the defensive skills and newfound attacking confidence to make another deep run.
