The Sky Sports Tennis panel has shared their picks for the champions and surprise contenders heading into the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season. A mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars offered their insights, highlighting form, fitness, and recent performances as the key factors shaping their forecasts.

Tim Henman, Laura Robson, Ryan Harrison, Naomi Broady and the legendary Martina Navratilova were among the personalities who weighed in, each naming the players they believe have the best chance of lifting the trophy. Their commentary provides a fascinating snapshot of the current tennis landscape, where injuries, recent breakthroughs and surface preferences all play a pivotal role. **Sascha Zverev** Zverev noted that his game has taken a step forward since his first Grand Slam triumph at Roland Garros.

Over the past twelve months he has become noticeably more aggressive, often taking the ball early from the baseline and dictating points with a sharper, more proactive style. He praised his own serve for its consistency and argued that the draw looks more open than usual because Jannik Sinner is absent and Carlos Alcaraz is returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off. In Zverev's view, this creates a unique window of opportunity for a player with confidence and the ability to seize momentum. **Aryna Sabalenka** Although Sabalenka has struggled with form in recent weeks, Zverev (speaking on her behalf) believes that Grand Slam stages bring out an extra gear in a player of her calibre.

He cited the timeless adage “form is temporary, class is permanent,” suggesting that Sabalenka’s underlying talent and mental toughness will surface when the stakes are highest, potentially propelling her deep into the tournament. **Arthur Fils** Fils was selected after an impressive run to the quarter‑finals in Cincinnati. Zverev highlighted the significance of that achievement, noting that moving from a quarter‑final finish to a title win would be a massive leap.

However, he cautioned that Fils must stay healthy, as the US Open could demand up to seven best‑of‑five matches for a champion. If he can maintain his fitness, Fils possesses a powerful shot set that could trouble any opponent. **Alex Eala** Eala earned praise for her competitive spirit and the rapid improvements she has made in her game. Zverev applauded her attitude, describing her as a player who thrives on support and displays a refreshing enthusiasm on court.

As an outsider, he expressed confidence in her potential to cause upsets and perhaps make a deep run. **Novak Djokovic** Djokovic’s recent form has been mixed, with a couple of losses in Cincinnati that raised questions about his sharpness. Nevertheless, Zverev reminded listeners of Djokovic’s proven record at majors, especially on hard courts. He recalled that Djokovic reached the Australian Open final last year, pushing Carlos Alcaraz to a deciding set.

Despite a less‑than‑stellar performance on clay, Zverev believes Djokovic’s experience and resilience make him a strong candidate to go all the way in New York. **Coco Gauff** Gauff is expected to maintain the hot streak that has defined her recent season. Zverev highlighted her consistency and the way she has refined technical aspects of her game, reducing previously visible deficiencies.

He argued that these improvements, combined with her youthful energy, position her as a serious contender for the title. **Lerner Tien** Tien has been in excellent form, collecting numerous victories and demonstrating the emotional stamina required for five‑set tennis. Zverev pointed to his notable wins at the Australian Open as evidence that he can handle pressure and sustain a high level of play throughout a Grand Slam.

**Sorana Cîrstea** Cîrstea is enjoying what she describes as her best season, and she hinted that it could be her final year on tour. Zverev framed her potential run at the US Open as a classic Cinderella story, where a seasoned veteran makes a surprising push in what may be her last major appearance. **Iga Świątek** Świątek’s recent performances have been impressive, particularly on the fast, lively hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Zverev noted that her heavy topspin and aggressive baseline play cause significant damage to opponents, and he feels her confidence has been restored after a brief dip earlier in the year.

**Ben Shelton** The American crowd’s energy could be a decisive factor for Shelton, who has been playing well on home soil. Zverev believes that the support of the local fans will amplify Shelton’s natural talent and help him ride a wave of momentum through the early rounds. **Marta Kostyuk** Kostyuk has enjoyed a breakthrough season, and Zverev thinks a Slam victory could be the next logical step in her development.

He highlighted her adaptability and mental toughness as assets that could see her advance further than expected. **Carlos Alcaraz** Alcaraz enters the tournament as the overwhelming favourite, provided he remains healthy. Zverev compared his situation to past multiple‑time Grand Slam champions such as Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, noting that once they are fit, they tend to re‑assert their dominance.

He expects Alcaraz to be a formidable presence, even if he needs a match or two to find his rhythm. **Jessica Pegula** Pegula’s consistency makes her a dangerous opponent. Zverev explained that when other players falter at crucial moments, Pegula is ready to capitalize, drawing on her experience as a former finalist and her reputation for relentless baseline play.

**Ann Lee** Lee has enjoyed a surprisingly strong season, climbing the rankings and earning a seed at the US Open. Zverev praised her elegant shot‑making and her growing comfort on tour, predicting that she could achieve even greater results, perhaps even a quarter‑final clash with a top‑seed like Sabalenka. **Thiago Tirante** Tirante’s power is a standout feature; he has recorded forehands reaching 120 mph and serves touching 145 mph. Zverev called him one of his favourite players and asserted that his raw weapons, combined with improving consistency, will soon propel him into the top‑20.

**Frances Tiafoe** Tiafoe’s professionalism and off‑court work have paid dividends, according to Zverev. He believes that Tiafoe’s renewed focus and improved fitness could make him a dark horse capable of surprising higher‑ranked opponents. **Iva Jović** Although still early in her career, Jović is earmarked as a future Grand Slam champion. Zverev acknowledged that the US Open might be premature for her, but he emphasized that draws can open up unexpectedly, offering opportunities for emerging talents.

**Pairings and Doubles Speculation** The panel also suggested several intriguing doubles combinations, such as Sascha Zverev with Jessica Pegula, Arthur Fils paired with Madison Keys, and Novak Djokovic teaming up with Coco Gauff. These pairings reflect both strategic compatibility and the chemistry the players have demonstrated in previous events. **Final Thoughts** Overall, the Sky Sports Tennis panel painted a picture of a highly competitive US Open field, where established champions like Alcaraz, Djokovic and Świątek will clash with hungry newcomers such as Fils, Tirante and Lee. Injuries, recent form and the unique conditions of the New York hard courts will all influence the outcome.

Fans can look forward to a thrilling fortnight of tennis, with plenty of storylines to follow from the first round through to the championship match.