The Sky Sports Tennis panel has shared their forecasts for the upcoming US Open, the final Grand Slam of the 2026 calendar. A mixture of seasoned veterans and rising talents such as Tim Henman, Laura Robson, Ryan Harrison, Naomi Broady and the legendary Martina Navratilova have all contributed their selections for this year’s marquee event. 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 more aggressive, often dictating play from deep in the court rather than waiting for opponents to come to him. His serve has settled into a reliable weapon, and the draw feels more open without Jannik Sinner and with Carlos Alcaraz still recovering from a lengthy injury lay‑off.
Zverev believes this creates a perfect environment for him to seize the moment and push deep into the tournament. Aryna Sabalenka: Although Sabalenka’s recent form has been patchy, the panel member stresses that a player of her calibre always elevates her performance at the biggest stages.
When the pressure is highest she taps into an extra gear, sharpening both intensity and concentration. The old adage “form is temporary, class is permanent” rings true for Sabalenka, who is expected to rediscover her best tennis when the lights shine brightest at Flushing Meadows. Arthur Fils: Fils was selected after a strong showing in Cincinnati, where he reached the quarter‑finals. The panel notes that translating that momentum into a US Open title would be a massive leap, especially given his recent injury setbacks.
If he can stay healthy enough to endure up to seven best‑of‑five matches, his powerful groundstrokes and fearless shot‑making give him a realistic shot at a breakthrough run. Alex Eala: The Filipino prodigy has impressed the panel with rapid improvement and a tenacious competitive spirit.
Her recent development, combined with solid backing from coaches and sponsors, makes her a compelling outsider. The panel admires her positive attitude and believes she could cause a few upsets if she continues her upward trajectory. Novak Djokovic: Despite a few disappointing results in Cincinnati, Djokovic’s track record at majors remains unparalleled.
While clay has never been his preferred surface, his recent hard‑court performances—including a run to the Australian Open final where he pushed Carlos Alcaraz to a deciding set—suggest he remains a serious contender. The panel predicts that Djokovic will harness his experience and mental toughness to go all the way in New York. Coco Gauff: Gauff is expected to maintain her hot streak.
After a dominant campaign in Cincinnati and a US Open title in 2023, she has the confidence and the crowd support to repeat her success. The panel believes that the technical flaws that occasionally surface will become less noticeable as she continues to refine her game.
Lerner Tien: Tien has built momentum with a string of victories and displays a calm temperament suited to the rigors of five‑set tennis. His performances at the Australian Open, where he recorded several significant wins, indicate he can handle high‑pressure situations and could be a dark horse in the men’s draw. Sorana Cirstea: Cirstea is enjoying what she describes as her best season, and she has hinted that it may be her final year on tour.
The narrative of a veteran chasing one last Grand Slam adds a Cinderella element to her campaign, and the panel feels she could surprise many if she finds her rhythm early in the tournament. Iga Swiatek: Swiatek’s heavy topspin and aggressive baseline play are well‑suited to the fast, lively hard courts of Flushing Meadows. After a brief dip, she appears to have regained her star power, and the panel expects her to be a serious threat, especially on the backhand side where she can dictate rallies. Ben Shelton: The American youngster thrives on home‑court energy.
His recent form, combined with the support of a partisan crowd, could give him the extra boost needed to make a deep run. Marta Kostyuk: Kostyuk has enjoyed a breakout year and the panel believes a Slam title could be the next logical step in her development.
Her aggressive style and mental resilience make her a player to watch. Carlos Alcaraz: Alcaraz enters the tournament as the clear favourite, provided he remains injury‑free.
History shows that multiple‑time champions like Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal often return to form quickly after a short lay‑off, and the panel trusts Alcaraz will follow a similar pattern, needing perhaps one or two matches to find his rhythm. Jessica Pegula: Pegula’s consistency is her greatest asset.
She excels when opponents falter at critical moments, and her experience as a former finalist equips her to capitalize on any lapse in concentration from rivals. Ann Lee: The American has enjoyed a surprisingly strong season, climbing the rankings and earning a seed for the US Open. Her solid shot‑making and growing comfort on tour suggest she could make a statement, potentially even reaching the quarter‑finals against a player like Sabalenka.
Thiago Tirante: Tirante is celebrated for his raw power, having recorded a 120 mph forehand and a 145 mph serve earlier this year. The panel believes his explosive game could propel him into the top 20 and make him a formidable opponent on the hard courts. Frances Tiafoe: Tiafoe’s increased professionalism and off‑court work have begun to pay dividends.
With his recent form improving, he could be a dark horse capable of making a deep run if he continues to build momentum. 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 title run this year, the draw can open up in unexpected ways, giving her a chance to surprise. Pairings and predictions: The panel also discussed potential doubles and mixed‑doubles pairings, highlighting combinations such as Zverev with Pegula, Fils with Madison Keys, Djokovic with Gauff, and Fils with Sara Bejlek. They praised Fils for his charismatic style, likening him to Gaël Monfils and Jo‑Wilfried Tsonga, and noted Zverev’s confidence after his recent Grand Slam successes. Overall, the Sky Sports Tennis experts anticipate a thrilling US Open with several established stars and emerging talents vying for the title.
The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans can follow every match without a contract.