US Open 2026 Schedule, Top Seeds, and Favorites Revealed

The 2026 US Open tennis championship is scheduled to commence on Sunday, August 30, marking the final Grand Slam event of the year. This prestigious tournament will feature top professional tennis players competing across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. The men's and women's singles finals are slated for September 12 and September 11, respectively. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning men's singles champion, will aim to secure his second consecutive US Open title. Alcaraz, who turned 23 in May 2026, has had a strong season leading up to the tournament, with victories at the Miami Open and the French Open. His primary challengers are expected to include Novak Djokovic, who is seeking his record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title, and Jannik Sinner, the current world number two. The women's singles defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, is also set to compete. Sabalenka, 28, won her maiden US Open title in 2023 and has continued her strong form with a win at the Australian Open earlier in the year. Key contenders in the women's draw include Iga Świątek, the world number one, and Coco Gauff, the 2023 Wimbledon champion. The tournament's prize money pool has seen a 5% increase from the previous year, with the singles champions each expected to receive approximately $3 million. The men's and women's singles runners-up will each receive $1.5 million. The US Open, established in 1881, is one of the four major annual tennis tournaments, known for its hard court surface and vibrant atmosphere. The event typically draws over 700,000 spectators over its two-week duration. This year's edition will see the introduction of new player facilities, including an upgraded player lounge and expanded medical services, aimed at enhancing the athlete experience. The tournament's official ball supplier remains Wilson, providing their signature US Open Extra Duty tennis balls. Broadcast rights for the event are held by ESPN in the United States, with international coverage provided by various partners, including Eurosport and Sky Sports. The qualifying rounds for the 2026 US Open began on August 23, determining the final spots in the main draw. A total of 128 players will compete in each of the men's and women's singles main draws. The doubles competitions will feature 64 teams in the men's and women's draws, and 32 teams in the mixed doubles draw. The tournament's organizing body, the United States Tennis Association (USTA), has emphasized its commitment to sustainability, with initiatives including reduced plastic usage and enhanced recycling programs across the venue. The 2026 US Open is anticipated to be a highly competitive and engaging event, showcasing the pinnacle of professional tennis.