US Open 2026: All to know about the schedule, top seeds and favourites

What the report says

The 2026 US Open main draw begins Sunday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, with the tournament running through Sept. 13. Al Jazeera reports that Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are among the headline names as they try to defend their singles titles at the year’s final Grand Slam. The event has already opened its mixed doubles competition, which was won by Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik.

The preview notes that Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, has withdrawn because of a right knee injury, leaving Alcaraz with a clearer path in the men’s draw. Other men’s contenders include Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev, while the women’s field is led by Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Elina Rybakina. Alcaraz is aiming for a third US Open title, while Sabalenka is seeking a third straight championship in New York.

The article also highlights several storylines around returning and emerging players. Serena and Venus Williams received a doubles wildcard, Stan Wawrinka earned a late singles wildcard, and young players such as Mirra Andreeva and Alex Eala arrive with momentum from recent results. Al Jazeera says the total prize purse is a record $108 million, underscoring the scale and commercial importance of the tournament.