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 voiced who they believe will triumph in New York. Their insights range from confident picks for established champions to bold selections of under‑dogs who could surprise the field. Sascha Zverev, reflecting on his own evolution, noted that his game has taken a significant step forward since his breakthrough at the French Open.
Over the past twelve months he has become more aggressive, often taking the ball early from the back of the court. His serve, he says, has reached a new level of consistency.
With Jannik Sinner absent and Carlos Alcaraz returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off, Zverev feels the draw is more open than usual, giving him the confidence to seize the opportunity. Aryna Sabalenka, despite a recent dip in form, is still regarded by the panel as a major threat when she reaches a Grand Slam. Sabalenka’s panelist emphasized that top‑level players tend to elevate their game at the biggest events, adding an extra gear of intensity and focus.
The old adage "form is temporary, class is permanent" was invoked to underline her enduring quality. Arthur Fils earned a nod after his impressive run to the quarter‑finals in Cincinnati.
The panelist highlighted that moving from a quarter‑final finish to a title would be a massive leap, especially considering Fils’ recent injury struggles. If he can stay healthy enough to endure up to seven best‑of‑five matches, his powerful shot‑making could carry him deep into the tournament. Alex Eala was praised for her rapid development and competitive spirit.
Her supporters noted the significant improvements in her technique and the strong backing she receives from her team. The panelist expressed personal enthusiasm for Eala, describing her as a delightful player to watch and a solid outsider pick. Novak Djokovic was described as a prime contender despite a couple of recent losses and a less‑than‑stellar showing in Cincinnati.
The panelist argued that Djokovic’s record at majors, particularly on hard courts, outweighs any short‑term setbacks. While clay is not his preferred surface, his performance at the Australian Open—reaching the final and pushing Carlos Alcaraz to the brink—demonstrates that he remains capable of winning another Slam. Coco Gauff is expected to maintain her hot streak.
The panelist believes her momentum from Cincinnati and her 2023 US Open victory position her as a strong favorite to repeat the feat, assuming she can iron out the technical quirks that have occasionally surfaced in her game. Lerner Tien has been highlighted for his excellent recent form, accumulating numerous match wins and displaying the mental toughness required for five‑set battles.
His previous successes at the Australian Open suggest he can handle the pressure of a Grand Slam environment. Sorana Cirstea is portrayed as a potential Cinderella story. After a standout year that she has described as possibly her final season, the panelist feels that a deep run at the US Open would be a fitting climax to her career.
Iga Świątek continues to impress on the fast, lively hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Her heavy topspin and aggressive baseline play cause significant damage, and recent weeks have seen her regain the star power that made her a dominant force on the tour. Ben Shelton, the American hopeful, is expected to thrive on home soil. The energy of the New York crowd could provide a substantial boost, allowing him to feed off the atmosphere and elevate his performance.
Marta Kostyuk has enjoyed a breakthrough season and the panelist believes a Slam title could be the next logical step in her ascent. Carlos Alcaraz remains the tournament favorite, provided he stays fit. The panelist drew parallels with other multiple‑Slam champions such as Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, noting that once they arrive at a major, they tend to perform at their historic level. Jessica Pegula is praised for her consistency and ability to capitalize when opponents falter.
Having reached a Grand Slam final before, she is seen as a player who can pounce on any lapse from her rivals. Ann Lee, an American rising through the rankings, has been described as having a "sneaky good" season. Seeded for the US Open, she possesses a pleasant shot repertoire and appears to be settling comfortably on tour, with the panelist projecting further success, possibly even a quarter‑final clash with Sabalenka.
Thiago Tirante is celebrated for his raw power. He has been recorded hitting forehands at 120 mph and serves approaching 145 mph, making him an exciting prospect for a top‑20 ranking. Frances Tiafoe’s professionalism and off‑court work have paid dividends, according to the panelist, who believes his recent form could make him a contender to watch. Iva Jovic, though still early in her career, is regarded as a future Grand Slam champion.
While she may be a long‑term pick, the unpredictable nature of draws means she could make a splash. The panel also offered several pairings as potential doubles or mixed‑team highlights, such as Zverev with Pegula, Fils with Madison Keys, Djokovic with Gauff, and Fils with Sara Bejlek. One commentator likened Fils’ charisma and enthusiasm to that of Gaël Monfils and Jo‑Wilfried Tsonga, labeling him a dark‑horse candidate after his recent Masters 1000 victory.
Another analyst highlighted Zverev’s confidence following his Roland Garros triumph and Wimbledon final appearance, suggesting that with Alcaraz’s fitness in question, Iga Świątek’s current form makes her a strong contender. Jacob Mensik and Naomi Osaka were also mentioned as noteworthy names, though details were sparse. Overall, the Sky Sports Tennis panel paints a picture of a US Open field that is both deep and unpredictable.
With several top players dealing with injuries or form fluctuations, and a host of emerging talents eager to make their mark, the tournament promises drama, high‑quality tennis, and perhaps a few surprise champions. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans can follow every match without a contract commitment.