US Open draw winners, losers: Sabalenka, Djokovic face grueling paths to final
The 2026 US Open draw is out. We break down which players have an easy path and who faces a grueling road ahead.
Back-to-back US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is aiming for history and a three-peat, becoming the first woman to win the title three years in a row since Serena Williams from 2012-2014. However, Sabalenka is in danger of losing her World No. 1 ranking due to a lackluster season. She faces tough competition from No. 2 Elena Rybakina, No. 3 Jessica Pegula, and No. 4 Coco Gauff in her bid for the title.
Meanwhile, the men's field is wide open, with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner sidelined by injury and Carlos Alcaraz returning to singles play after nearly four months. With Sinner injured and Alcaraz absent, six Americans ranked in the Top 25, including Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, and Tommy Paul, could potentially break through in New York.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- US Open 2026: Can Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka defend their titles? theindependent.sg
- Sabalenka chases US Open three-peat amid downturn in form brecorder.com
- US Open draw hands Alcaraz, Sabalenka tough tests freemalaysiatoday.com
- US Open draw hands Alcaraz, Sabalenka tough tests nst.com.my
- US Open draw hands Alcaraz, Sabalenka tough tests channelnewsasia.com
