Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 US Open
30 August – 13 September
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Queens, New York
The 2026 US Open arrives with Jannik Sinner once again at the centre of the men’s singles spotlight, with the world No. 1 installed as the favourite to lift the title in New York.
The Italian heads to Flushing Meadows as the defending champion and, despite a late fitness concern, remains the player to beat at the final Grand Slam of the season.
Sinner’s preparation, however, has suffered a setback. He has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open because of a right knee problem, raising questions over whether he will arrive at the US Open at his best.
“My right knee has been giving me trouble and, although we've been working hard with my medical team, I have to accept that I'm still not ready to compete [in the tune-up events]," Sinner said.
That absence means Sinner will have limited match preparation on the North American hard courts, but his credentials remain formidable. His game is particularly well suited to the fast conditions in New York, where his explosive baseline hitting, relentless movement and ability to absorb and redirect pace make him exceptionally difficult to overpower.
Sinner’s biggest threat is expected to come from Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion’s principal rival and one of the few players capable of matching him physically and tactically over five sets.
Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev also remain serious contenders, while the likes of Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton could benefit from home support.
The 2026 tournament runs from August 30 to September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with the men’s singles final scheduled for September 13.
Sinner knows the significance of the occasion. Returning to New York, he said: “I'm firstly very happy to be back here. It's a great tournament... obviously the last Grand Slam we have for this season, so the motivations are very high."
The question is whether his knee will allow him to turn that motivation into another championship run. If Sinner is fit, his combination of current form, hard-court pedigree and experience of winning in New York makes him the clear favourite.
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