Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 28

2026 U.S. Open Opens With 30 Key Players in Focus as Sinner Sits Out and Alcaraz Returns

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 28

2026 U.S. Open Opens With 30 Key Players in Focus as Sinner Sits Out and Alcaraz Returns

Q: Will rising star Arthur Fils leverage his recent Cincinnati triumph to shock the tennis world and claim his first major title?

Arthur Fils absolutely has a real chance, but calling him the favorite to win the 2026 U.S. Open would still be a stretch. His Cincinnati title changed the conversation. He arrives in New York off his first Masters 1000 crown, with wins over strong hard-court opponents and a game built for the U.S. Open: a heavy forehand, improved serve, elite athleticism and growing confidence in big moments. The numbers support the surge. He is 10-0 in deciding sets this year, 4-2 in his last six matches against top-10 opponents, and has risen to a career-high ranking just outside the very top tier. In a men’s field missing Jannik Sinner and featuring a still-unproven-in-fitness Carlos Alcaraz, that matters. Just as important, the draw is unusually open. Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic and the leading Americans all have paths, but none looks untouchable. That gives Fils a genuine opening to make a semifinal or even final run if his Cincinnati level holds. The caution is experience and durability. He has missed four of the last five majors because of injury issues, and he has never gone beyond the round of 16 at a Grand Slam. Winning a Masters event is one thing; navigating seven best-of-five matches in New York is another, especially in heat and under the pressure of a first true major opportunity. So yes, Fils can shock the field and contend for the title. But the smarter expectation is that Cincinnati makes him a dangerous breakout threat, not yet the safest pick to win it all.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 28

Sunday’s start in New York brings a reshaped U.S. Open field, with defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz back after a 4-month wrist layoff and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner out with a right knee injury.
That leaves French Open champion Alexander Zverev as the top seed and opens the men’s race to Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Arthur Fils and other Americans chasing a first home men’s title in 23 years.
On the women’s side, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka arrives seeking a third straight U.S. Open title despite not reaching a semifinal since late March, while every player in the top 10 owns either a Grand Slam or WTA 1000 title.
Elena Rybakina’s left Achilles is a pivotal variable because a semifinal run would secure No. 1 regardless of rivals, while Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and 2022 champion Iga Swiatek enter New York with strong recent form.
The broader storyline extends beyond favorites, with 30 players highlighted across contenders, rising talents and veterans such as 39-year-old Djokovic and Gael Monfils, who is playing the final Grand Slam of his career.