U.S. Open 2026 draws feature defending champion Alcaraz, injured rivals and a deep women's field
The 2026 U.S. Open begins Sunday with Carlos Alcaraz defending his title amid injuries to top competitors, while a tightly contested women's draw sees Aryna Sabalenka facing challengers who all hold major titles.
The U.S. Open starts Sunday at New York's Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz returns after a four-month layoff for a right-wrist injury. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is absent due to a right-knee injury, opening the field for players such as French Open winner Alexander Zverev, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and several leading American contenders.
In the women’s draw, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka enters the tournament amid a dip in form. All ten players in the top-10 rankings hold either a Grand Slam or a WTA 1000 title, creating a highly competitive environment for the championship and the No. 1 ranking.
Beyond the primary contenders, the tournament will also showcase home-court favorites, emerging talents making their major-stage debuts, and veteran players seeking a final deep run in New York.
The preview highlights 30 players—15 men and 15 women—who are expected to shape the competition, ranging from title hopefuls to rising stars and seasoned legends.