Flushing Meadows set for top talent
The official entry lists for the 2026 US Open men’s and women’s singles have been released, confirming a strong collection of players expected to compete at Flushing Meadows in August. The tournament is anticipated to showcase world-class tennis, featuring many top players from both the ATP and WTA Tours. This year’s event is poised to be one of the deepest Grand Slam fields in recent memory, with reigning stars, former champions, rising teenagers, and experienced veterans all preparing for the competition.
The entry deadline for the tournament was confirmed on Monday, aligning with the latest ATP and WTA rankings. Tournament organisers subsequently announced the initial entry lists on Tuesday. The depth of the entry list suggests that the overwhelming majority of the world’s elite players are expected to participate, creating a strong Grand Slam lineup.
Men’s and women’s fields feature top contenders
The men’s field will be led by reigning Wimbledon champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who arrives in New York as one of the favourites following his continued dominance on hard courts throughout 2026. His precise baseline game, exceptional movement, and ability to absorb pace make him a formidable opponent in best-of-five-set matches. Other significant challengers expected in the main draw include Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Lorenzo Musetti, Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, Jack Draper, Karen Khachanov, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Among the American men, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Sebastian Korda are highlighted as contenders hoping for a home Grand Slam breakthrough. Shelton’s explosive serve and athleticism are noted as particularly dangerous in the atmosphere of Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Fritz continues to demonstrate consistency on hard courts. The strong competition means that various sections of the draw could feature significant matchups as early as the third round.
The women’s tournament is also expected to be highly competitive, with two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka returning to seek a third consecutive US Open title. She is considered one of the tour’s most dominant hard-court players. Her main challengers include Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Mirra Andreeva, Qinwen Zheng, Madison Keys, Emma Navarro, Amanda Anisimova, Naomi Osaka, Linda Noskova, Karolina Muchova, Elina Svitolina, and Beatriz Haddad Maia. The depth of the WTA Tour suggests that few opening-round matches will be straightforward.
American star Coco Gauff is among the leading contenders, possessing the athleticism, defensive skills, and an improving serve to challenge for another title on home soil. The atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium has often elevated her performances.
Player returns and special rankings
Several players are returning from injuries or using special rankings. Carlos Alcaraz, ranked No. 3, is listed in the men’s field. He has not played since the Barcelona Open in April due to a wrist injury, where he withdrew before his second match. He was recently cleared to resume tennis activities with the aim of playing in Cincinnati and New York, though his exact status remains uncertain. He has already withdrawn from the first of two hard-court Masters 1000 events in Montreal.
Holger Rune, ranked No. 80, is also on the entry list. The 23-year-old Dane has been out of play since rupturing an Achilles’ tendon in October 2025 at the Stockholm ATP 250. He had initially hoped to return on grass or clay this summer but opted for a more cautious comeback timeline. Additionally, eight players in total—five women and three men—are utilising special or protected rankings. These include Jerry Shang, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Lois Boisson.
The US Open hard courts are known to reward complete all-around tennis, requiring elite serving, aggressive baseline play, physical endurance, exceptional movement, mental toughness, and the ability to perform under the lights. Players who can transition quickly from defense to offense have historically achieved significant success at the tournament. The release of these official entry lists marks the beginning of the countdown to the year’s final Grand Slam.
Source: tenngrand.com
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