The Sky Sports Tennis panel has shared their forecasts and under‑dog selections ahead of the season‑ending Grand Slam at the US Open. A roster of former champions and rising stars—including Tim Henman, Laura Robson, Ryan Harrison, Naomi Broady and the legendary Martina Navratilova—have each offered their opinions on who will triumph in New York. Sascha Zverev believes he has taken a step forward since capturing his maiden major at Roland Garros.
Over the past year he has become noticeably more aggressive, often dictating play from deep behind the baseline. His serve has settled into a reliable rhythm, and he feels the draw is wide open without Jannik Sinner and with Carlos Alcaraz returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off. Zverev says this situation gives him the confidence to make a deep run.
Aryna Sabalenka admits her recent form has been uneven, yet she trusts that when a player of her calibre reaches a Grand Slam, an extra gear is engaged. She emphasizes that while results may fluctuate, true class endures. "Form is temporary, class is permanent," she repeats, underscoring her belief that she can elevate her game when it matters most. Arthur Fils earned a nod from the panel after reaching the quarter‑finals in Cincinnati.
The French teenager’s recent title there marked a significant leap forward, but he has also battled injuries. The panel notes that if he can stay healthy enough to handle the rigours of potentially seven best‑of‑five matches, his powerful shot‑making could carry him far. Alex Eala is praised for her rapid improvement and competitive spirit.
The panel highlights her supportive environment and upbeat attitude, describing her as a refreshing outsider who could surprise many. Novak Djokovic is seen as a strong contender despite a couple of disappointing losses in Cincinnati. While he has never favoured clay, his recent hard‑court performances—most notably reaching the Australian Open final and pushing Carlos Alcaraz to a set—suggest he still possesses the firepower to capture another major.
Coco Gauff is expected to continue her hot streak. The panel points to her recent Cincinnati victory and her 2023 US Open title as evidence that she has the experience and confidence to repeat her success. Lerner Tien has been in excellent form, racking up wins and demonstrating the mental resilience required for five‑set tennis. His strong showings at the Australian Open further bolster his credentials.
Sorana Cîrstea is described as a potential Cinderella story. After a career‑best season that she has hinted may be her final tour year, the panel feels she could make a memorable run at what might be her last Grand Slam appearance. Iga Świątek is lauded for her recent resurgence.
Her heavy spin and aggressive play suit the lively hard courts of Flushing Meadows, and she appears to have reclaimed some of the star power that propelled her to the top of the rankings. Ben Shelton, the American crowd‑pleaser, is expected to feed off the home‑court energy. His recent form suggests he could harness that support into a deep tournament run. Marta Kostyuk has enjoyed a standout year and the panel believes a Slam could be the next logical step in her ascent.
Carlos Alcaraz enters the tournament as the clear favourite, provided he remains fit. The panel draws parallels with past multiple‑Grand‑Slam champions such as Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, noting that once a player of his stature is on court, expectations are naturally high. Jessica Pegula is praised for her consistency. The panel notes that if opponents falter at crucial moments, Pegula is ready to pounce, having already reached a Grand Slam final and demonstrated relentless steadiness.
Ann Lee, an American who has quietly climbed the rankings, is projected to achieve greater things. Her solid shot‑making and growing comfort on tour suggest she could be a threat deep in the draw, perhaps even meeting Sabalenka in the quarters. Thiago Tirante impresses with his raw power—recording a 120 mph forehand and a 145 mph serve earlier this year. The panel predicts he is on the cusp of breaking into the top‑20 and could make a splash at the US Open.
Frances Tiafoe’s increased professionalism and off‑court work have paid dividends. The panel believes his newfound discipline could translate into a strong showing. Iva Jovic is highlighted as a future Grand Slam champion. While she may be a bit early for a deep run this year, the panel acknowledges that draws can open up in unexpected ways.
The panel also paired several players as potential doubles or mixed‑doubles pairings, such as Zverev with Pegula, Fils with Madison Keys, Djokovic with Gauff, and Fils with Sara Bejlek, illustrating the breadth of talent they see across the tournament. One commentator summed up Fils’s situation: after missing the previous year, simply stepping onto the court is a victory.
Winning a Masters 1000 title would cement his status as a dark‑horse pick, with his charisma reminiscent of Gaël Monfils and Jo‑Wilfried Tsonga. Zverev, fresh from a Roland Garros win and a Wimbledon final appearance, exudes confidence. With Alcaraz’s fitness in doubt and Świątek in top form, Zverev feels his chances are strong. Jacob Mensik and Naomi Osaka were also mentioned as intriguing possibilities, though Osaka’s comeback remains a work in progress.
The US Open coverage will be live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available contract‑free via NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast on Sky Sports.