The Sky Sports Tennis panel has shared their predictions for the upcoming US Open, the final Grand Slam of the 2026 calendar. A mixture of seasoned veterans and rising stars such as Tim Henman, Laura Robson, Ryan Harrison, Naomi Broady and the legendary Martina Navratilova have all offered their picks for the tournament, highlighting both likely champions and potential surprise performers.
Sascha Zverev, reflecting on his own progress since his breakthrough at the French Open, emphasized how much more aggressive and proactive he has become over the past year. He noted that Zverev now attacks from deep in the court and boasts a serve that is remarkably consistent. With Jannik Sinner absent and Carlos Alcaraz still recovering from a lengthy injury lay‑off, Zverev believes the draw is wide open and that he can capitalize on the opportunity.
Aryna Sabalenka, despite a recent dip in form, was praised for the extra gear she seems to find when she steps onto a Grand Slam stage. The panel reminded listeners of the old adage, "form is temporary, class is permanent," suggesting that Sabalenka’s class will see her rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
Arthur Fils earned a nod after his impressive run to the quarter‑finals in Cincinnati. The panel noted that his recent title there represented a significant jump in performance. While acknowledging his injury history and the physical demands of potentially seven best‑of‑five matches, they felt his form and confidence make him a legitimate dark‑horse candidate. Alex Eala was highlighted as an "unbelievable competitor" whose recent improvements and supportive environment have made her a joy to watch.
The panel praised her attitude and fighting spirit, expressing optimism about her chances despite being an outsider. Novak Djokovic was described as a "great opportunity" for the Serbian star. Although he suffered a couple of losses in Cincinnati and did not look his best, the panel reminded fans of his track record at majors.
They pointed out that while clay is not his favorite surface, his recent hard‑court performance – reaching the Australian Open final and pushing Carlos Alcaraz to a set – suggests he could go all the way in New York. Coco Gauff was predicted to maintain her hot streak, with the panel expecting her to continue the momentum that carried her to the Cincinnati title and the 2023 US Open victory. They believe her technical flaws will become less noticeable as she refines her game, and they doubt she will carry those deficiencies throughout her career.
Lerner Tien received praise for his recent form and emotional composure in three‑set matches. His big wins at the Australian Open were cited as evidence that he can handle the pressure of a Grand Slam environment.
Sorana Cirstea was framed as a potential Cinderella story. After a strong year that she has hinted may be her final season, the panel sees her as a player who could make a deep run in what could be her last major appearance. Iga Swiatek was lauded for her powerful spin and the way her ball damages the lively hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
The panel feels she has regained some of her star power in recent weeks and could be a serious contender. Ben Shelton, the American fan‑favorite, was noted for thriving on home‑court energy. The panel believes the cheering crowd will boost his performance.
Marta Kostyuk was recognized for a breakout year and is seen as a player on the brink of adding a Slam to her résumé. Carlos Alcaraz, the tournament favourite, was discussed with the usual caveat of fitness. The panel compared his expected dominance to that of past multiple‑Grand‑Slam champions such as Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, suggesting that once he’s fully healthy, he will be hard to stop. Jessica Pegula was described as consistently strong, capable of capitalizing when opponents falter.
Her experience as a former finalist and her steady play make her a dangerous opponent for anyone. Ann Lee, an American rising through the rankings, was highlighted for her elegant shot‑making and growing comfort on tour. The panel projects that she could soon be challenging top players like Sabalenka in later rounds. Thiago Tirante earned admiration for his raw power, having recorded a 120 mph forehand and a serve around 145 mph earlier in the season.
The panel believes his explosive style could see him break into the top 20 soon. Frances Tiafoe was praised for his increased professionalism and off‑court work, which the panel feels has translated into improved on‑court results.
They see him as a player who can go the distance when in form. Iva Jovic, a young talent, was labeled a future Grand Slam winner. While perhaps not ready for a deep run this year, the panel noted that draws can open unexpectedly, offering her a chance to surprise.
The panel also paired several players as potential doubles or mixed‑team storylines: Zverev with Pegula, Fils with Madison Keys, Djokovic with Gauff, and Fils with Sara Bejlek. They highlighted Fils’s comeback narrative, comparing his charisma to that of Gaël Monfils and Jo‑Wilfried Tsonga, and suggested his Masters 1000 title last year makes him a credible dark horse. In summary, the Sky Sports Tennis experts see a field wide open due to injuries to top names like Sinner and Alcaraz, while veteran class and emerging talent provide plenty of intrigue.
They expect thrilling matches, potential upsets, and a final that could feature any combination of the names mentioned. The US Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans worldwide can follow every rally and championship point.