New York: 2026 US Open entry lists revealed for me...

By Bilal Ahmed — 22 July 2026 — 3 min read

Anticipated Player Lineup for the 2026 US Open

The official entry lists for the 2026 US Open main draw have been released, showcasing a strong field of talent expected to compete in Flushing Meadows this August. The tournament, which is the final Grand Slam of the season, is set to feature many top players from both the ATP and WTA Tours, promising two weeks of high-level tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Jannik Sinner, the reigning Wimbledon champion and world No. 1, is slated to lead the men’s field. On the women’s side, two-time defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is expected to headline the draw. The depth of both fields suggests a highly competitive tournament, with established champions, rising stars, and experienced veterans all preparing for the event.

Among the notable players in the men’s draw are Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune. Alcaraz, who has been sidelined by a wrist injury since the Barcelona Open in April, was recently cleared to resume tennis activities with the hope of participating in Cincinnati and New York. However, his exact status remains uncertain, as he has already withdrawn from the first of two hard-court Masters 1000 events in Montreal. Rune has been out since October of 2025 due to a ruptured Achilles’ tendon and had been aiming for a summer return.

The men’s field also includes players such as 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. The presence of these players suggests that early-round matches could feature significant matchups.

Novak Djokovic, despite his extensive career achievements, remains a major draw. His experience in managing the demands of a two-week major could make him a formidable competitor, regardless of his seeding. American men, including Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Tommy Paul, are also expected to receive strong support from the home crowd as they aim for a breakthrough at their home Grand Slam.

Women’s Competition and Emerging Talent

The women’s tournament is anticipated to be highly competitive, with Aryna Sabalenka seeking her third consecutive US Open title. 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.

Coco Gauff, an American star and Grand Slam champion, is among the leading contenders. Her athleticism, defensive skills, and improved serve position her as a strong challenger for another title on home ground. The atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium has often enhanced her performances, making her a player many opponents might prefer to avoid.

Both tours are seeing a rise of new talent, with several young stars securing direct entry into the main draws. This influx of emerging players alongside established champions is expected to contribute to an unpredictable championship, with potential for early-round upsets. The US Open’s hard courts are known to reward players with a complete all-around game, emphasizing elite serving, aggressive baseline play, physical endurance, exceptional movement, mental toughness, and the ability to perform under the lights.

Several players returning from injuries have also gained direct acceptance into the main draw, potentially creating challenging unseeded opponents. Historically, the US Open has favored players who peak late in the summer, making recent form a significant factor. Eight players, comprising five women and three men, are utilizing special or protected rankings for their entry into the tournament.

The release of the official entry lists signals the start of the countdown to the year’s final Grand Slam.