US Open preview: Carlos Alcaraz's return, battle for No. 1 WTA ranking among biggest storylines in NYC
Any of Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula or Coco Gauff could be No. 1 after the US Open.
The 2026 US Open begins on Sunday, with an open outcome among both men and women competitors. There is no Jannik Sinner, and perhaps Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic are not at full strength. Two-time defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, is currently in a slump. Seven women have claimed victories in the past seven Grand Slams. There is uncertainty on how this tournament will unfold, filled with multiple layers of drama in the draw.
Let's delve into these aspects. Jannik Sinner is out, and Carlos Alcaraz is in. Their rivalry, which has witnessed legendary clashes, is a critical storyline. Alcaraz has just returned from a wrist injury that sidelined him until this tournament. He won't face Sinner at a Grand Slam in 2026. This absence is troubling, especially considering their young age and health concerns.
Alcaraz, at 25, and Djokovic, at 23, may face challenges lasting into their 30s. For now, Alcaraz is the tournament favorite, despite his limited singles play since Barcelona in April. He participated in a mixed doubles event alongside Serena Williams, completing the match against doubles specialists Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool before losing to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.
It raises questions about his health and performance. Zverev has a favorable draw and has achieved career-best results in recent Grand Slams. Elena Rybakina could become the new WTA No. 1. She trails Sabalenka by 434 points but is expected to reach the semifinals. Rybakina has a chance to surpass Sabalenka, but the champion or other top-ranked players could retain the top ranking.
The three possible scenarios include Rybakina reaching the semifinals, Sabalenka, Pegula, or Gauff winning the title, or none of them winning, with Rybakina becoming No. 1. The American men have a 23-year wait for a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick's US Open win in 2003. With six American men seeded in the tournament, there's a chance for the U.S. to finally break this drought.
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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