The US Open stands out among the four Grand Slam tournaments as the most unpredictable event of the calendar year. By the time the New York courts open, players have already endured eight months of relentless competition, and many arrive with lingering aches, niggles, and the wear and tear that comes from a grueling tour schedule.
Unlike the clay of Roland Garros or the grass of Wimbledon, the hard courts at Flushing Meadows are a surface that most professionals consider their "bread and butter," which adds another layer of complexity to the predictions. This year’s edition stretches over three weeks, with the first week dedicated to fan festivities.
Highlights included a special exhibition featuring five‑time champion Roger Federer, the mixed‑doubles triumph of Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik, and a nostalgic return of six‑time champion Serena Williams to the stadium. The qualifying rounds also generated buzz, opening with fifteen British hopefuls fighting for a spot in the main draw. When the main draw finally kicked off on Sunday, nine British players were on the list, a record five of them having earned their places through qualification. On the men’s side, the top seed is Sascha Zverev, who steps into the role vacated by the injured Jannik Sinner.
Zverev, a French Open champion earlier this season, arrives with an impressive 18‑2 Grand Slam record for 2026 and will be the first German to lead a Slam draw since 2022. The women’s draw is headed by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is eyeing a historic third straight US Open title.
The men’s bracket can be broken down into four quarters. In the top half, Zverev occupies the first quarter. The draw has been relatively kind to him, positioning him against opponents who, on paper, are less threatening than the likes of Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz. Nevertheless, Zverev’s recent early exits from both Masters 1000 events raise questions about his ability to handle the pressure that comes with being the top seed.
The second quarter is led by Australia’s sixth‑seed Alex de Minaur. He is projected to meet Zverev in the quarter‑finals if both advance.
De Minaur’s path includes former finalist Taylor Fritz, French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli, and last year’s semi‑finalist Félix Auger‑Aliassime. While the section lacks the usual heavyweights, it still offers a solid test for the Australian. The bottom half of the draw is stacked with firepower. All five former US Open champions—Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Stan Wawrinka, and Marin Cilic—are situated here.
Djokovic’s quarter contains Medvedev, Cincinnati finalist Francis Tiafoe, Canadian champion Brandon Nakashima, and a possible second‑round clash with either Wawrinka or Matteo Berrettini. Beyond that, the defending champion Alcaraz heads the final quarter, where he could encounter Ben Shelton (the Canadian champion), Arthur Fils (Cincinnati winner), Alexander Bublik, Tommy Paul, and hard‑hitting Roman Safiullin, who has previously bested Alcaraz and poses a serious threat given the Spaniard’s lack of match play since April.
On the women’s side, Sabalenka’s first‑quarter draw looks manageable until the quarter‑finals, where she may face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Sabalenka has struggled with form, posting a 17‑7 record since April and not capturing a title since March.
She is also defending her world‑No. 1 ranking, making every match crucial. The second quarter is dominated by Jessica Pegula, who has a realistic shot at finishing the tournament as the world No. 1 if she lifts the trophy.
However, her road is littered with dangerous opponents: Elina Svitolina, Karolina Muchova, Sorana Cirstea, and a possible second‑round clash with former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin or two‑time US Open champion Venus Williams. Coco Gauff, the current Cincinnati champion and former US Open winner, leads the top of the bottom half. She, too, can claim the top ranking only by winning the title. Awaiting her are last year’s finalist Amanda Anisimova, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, Washington champion Alex Eala, and a potentially tricky early meeting with Paula Badosa.
The final quarter is arguably the toughest, featuring Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, and Belinda Bencic. Rybakina stands to become the new world No. 1 if she reaches the semifinals, but she is nursing an ankle/Achilles issue that flared up in Cincinnati and forced her to withdraw against Swiatek.
Her recent practice sessions have looked tentative, so her ability to stay healthy will be a decisive factor. British representation adds another narrative layer. Arthur Fery, fresh off a runner‑up finish at Winston‑Salem, entered New York as the British No.
1. He will debut at the US Open against 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti, who has recovered from a back injury but showed good form in Cincinnati.
Fery shares the top quarter with Zverev and Jan Choinski, who will meet Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp. Cameron Norrie, seeded 29th, lands in the bottom half with Alcaraz.
He opens against Frenchman Luca van Assche, with a potential second‑round showdown against Miomir Kecmanovic or Dennis Shapovalov. The British contingent also includes Toby Samuel (world No. 110) making his main‑draw debut against Czech Tomas Machac (world No.
58), Harry Wendleken, who fought through nine sets to qualify and will face 21st seed Luciano Darderi, and lucky‑loser Jacob Fearnley, set to play Spaniard Martin Landaluce. On the women’s side, Katie Boulter entered directly and will open against American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee, a 24‑year‑old ranked 140th making her Grand Slam debut.
A win would likely pit Boulter against mixed‑doubles champion Karolina Muchova in round two. Qualifier Harriet Dart earned her spot by defeating Heather Watson and will meet world No. 54 Peyton Stearns, a player she has a recent history with from Cincinnati and US Open qualifying in 2021. Fran Jones also qualified and will face Poland’s Magda Linette in her first meeting with the higher‑ranked opponent.
Serena Williams, though not competing in singles, will still be a presence at Flushing Meadows. After partnering with Alcaraz in mixed doubles, she will reunite with sister Venus in the women's doubles after receiving a wildcard, marking their first Grand Slam partnership since 2022. Prize money has risen again this year, with the singles champions on both sides set to earn $5.5 million (£4.7 million). Even a first‑round loss guarantees $140,000 (£120,000), underscoring the tournament’s financial significance.
Predicting the ultimate champion remains a challenge, but my personal bet leans toward Zverev capturing his second Grand Slam title after assessing his favorable draw and recent form. In the women’s draw, I look beyond the usual suspects and see Naomi Osaka clinching her third US Open crown and first at Flushing Meadows since 2020. From Sunday onward, Sky Sports will broadcast 15 days of uninterrupted tennis action, offering live coverage of every match on every court. Expert commentary will feature legends such as Martina Navratilova, Tim Henman, Marion Bartoli, Laura Robson, Ryan Harrison, and Naomi Broady.
Tune in from 3 pm on Sunday for the opening day, and enjoy contract‑free streaming on NOW or via the Sky Sports app. The US Open runs from August 30, and the Laver Cup will follow at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also on Sky Sports.