The Sky Sports Tennis panel has shared their predictions for the upcoming US Open, the final Grand Slam of the 2026 calendar. A mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars such as Tim Henman, Laura Robson, Ryan Harrison, Naomi Broady and the legendary Martina Navratilova have all weighed in, offering a blend of favorites and surprise picks for the tournament. Sascha Zverev: Zverev’s game has taken a noticeable step forward since his breakthrough at Roland Garros. Over the past twelve months he has become markedly more aggressive, often dictating play from deep behind the baseline and taking the ball early.
His serve has settled into a reliable weapon, and the draw looks more open now that Jannik Sinner is absent and Carlos Alcaraz is still recovering from a lengthy injury lay‑off. Zverev believes this creates a perfect window for him to seize the momentum and push deep into the event. Aryna Sabalenka: Although Sabalenka’s recent form has been uneven, she is the type of player who elevates her level at the biggest stages. When the stakes are highest, she taps into an extra gear of intensity, focus and sheer class.
As she herself often reminds us, "Form is temporary, class is permanent," and she trusts that her underlying quality will shine through on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Arthur Fils: The French teenager first caught the panel’s attention when he reached the quarter‑finals in Cincinnati. Since then, his trajectory has been steep, despite dealing with injuries that have limited his ability to play the grueling best‑of‑five format.
The panel feels that if he can stay healthy, his powerful shot‑making and fearless mindset give him a realistic chance of making a deep run, perhaps even challenging for the title. Alex Eala: The Filipina prodigy has impressed with rapid improvement and a fierce competitive spirit. Her recent performances have shown a maturing game, bolstered by a supportive team around her. The panel admires her attitude and believes she could be a dark‑horse contender, especially if she continues to build on her recent successes.
Novak Djokovic: Djokovic’s recent results have been mixed, with a few losses in Cincinnati, but his track record at majors remains unparalleled. While clay has never been his preferred surface, his most recent hard‑court Grand Slam – a runner‑up finish at the Australian Open – demonstrates his continued relevance. The panel predicts that, assuming he remains fit, Djokovic has the pedigree to go all the way. Coco Gauff: Gauff enters the tournament riding a wave of confidence after a strong run in Cincinnati and a US Open title in 2023.
The panel expects her to maintain her hot form, noting that the technical flaws that sometimes surface in her game are becoming less pronounced as she gains experience. They anticipate she will be a serious threat to claim back‑to‑back championships. Lerner Tien: The young Australian has built impressive momentum, stringing together a series of wins and displaying the mental toughness needed for five‑set battles.
His performances at the Australian Open have shown he can handle pressure, and the panel believes his temperament will serve him well in New York. Sorana Cirstea: After a standout year that the player herself has hinted may be her final season, Cirstea is seen as a potential Cinderella story. Her resurgence and seasoned experience could see her making a deep run, perhaps even reaching the later stages of the tournament for the first time in her career. Iga Swiatek: Swiatek’s recent form on fast, lively hard courts has been excellent.
Her heavy topspin and precise placement cause the ball to bounce high and generate extra damage. The panel notes that she appears to have regained her star power and could be a genuine contender for the title. Ben Shelton: The American crowd favorite is playing well and feeds off the energy of the home supporters. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline play make him a player to watch, especially in matches where the crowd can swing momentum.
Marta Kostyuk: After a breakthrough year, Kostyuk is poised for a breakthrough at a Grand Slam. The panel feels a Slam victory could be the next logical step in her development, given her steady improvement and confidence. Carlos Alcaraz: Alcaraz remains the odds‑on favorite, provided he stays healthy. The panel draws parallels with past multiple‑Grand‑Slam champions, suggesting that once he is back to full fitness, his natural talent will make him a dominant force throughout the event.
Jessica Pegula: Pegula’s consistency and ability to capitalize on opponents’ lapses make her a dangerous opponent. Having reached a final before, she knows how to position herself for success and will likely pounce when rivals falter. Ann Lee: The American rising star has enjoyed a surprisingly strong season, climbing the rankings and earning a seed at the US Open.
Her solid shot‑making and growing comfort on tour suggest she could achieve a breakthrough, perhaps even a quarter‑final clash with a top‑seed like Sabalenka. Thiago Tirante: Tirante’s raw power is evident, with a forehand recorded at 120 mph and a serve touching 145 mph. The panel believes his explosive style and potential to break into the top twenty make him a thrilling player to monitor. Frances Tiafoe: Tiafoe’s increased professionalism and off‑court work have begun to translate into on‑court results.
The panel feels his renewed focus could see him go deep, especially if he maintains his recent form. Iva Jovic: Though still early in her career, Jovic is viewed as a future Grand Slam champion. The panel acknowledges that while she may not be ready for a major title this year, the draw can open in unexpected ways, offering her opportunities to surprise.
Pairings and Doubles Speculation: The panel also discussed potential doubles pairings, highlighting combinations such as Zverev with Pegula, Fils with Madison Keys, and Djokovic with Gauff as intriguing possibilities that could add excitement to the tournament. Overall Outlook: The US Open is set to begin on August 30 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Fans can stream matches contract‑free via NOW or the Sky Sports app, and there will also be coverage of the Laver Cup later in September. With a field that blends established champions, hungry youngsters, and several dark‑horse candidates, the tournament promises high drama, unexpected twists, and the chance for new history to be written on the hard courts of New York.