US Open
Our forecast for the 2026 US Open, running from 30 August to 13 September at Flushing Meadows. This is the editorial call on who reaches the second week and who lifts the trophies. If you are after markets, prices and each-way angles, those are in our US Open betting tips instead.
Men’s Singles: Sinner to Reclaim It
We make Jannik Sinner the winner. He is world No. 1, he won this title in 2024, and he arrives having beaten Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final. His hard-court baseline game does not have an obvious weakness in these conditions, and the 15-day schedule helps the players who are already physically on top of the draw.
The complication is Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Sinner in last year’s final and is back after a wrist injury that cost him two majors. If he comes through Cincinnati looking like himself, a rematch is the obvious final. If he does not, the draw opens up considerably for Zverev, who has now proved he can win a major.
Our projected semi-finals: Sinner v Taylor Fritz, and Alcaraz v Zverev.
Women’s Singles: Sabalenka, But Closer Than Last Year
We make Aryna Sabalenka the winner for a third year running. New York is the major that fits her game most cleanly, and she has already shown she can win it when she is not playing at her best. No woman has won three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014, which tells you both how hard it is and how well she has been playing here.
The credible opposition is Coco Gauff, who has won this tournament and who does not need to out-hit Sabalenka to beat her, and Iga Swiatek, whose return game travels to any surface. Elena Rybakina is the one who can win a straight-sets shootout.
Our projected semi-finals: Sabalenka v Swiatek, and Gauff v Rybakina.
The British Contingent
The British picture is thinner than it was. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 champion here, is a doubt with a leg stress fracture. Jack Draper has an arm problem and may need a wildcard or a run through qualifying. That makes the qualifying draw from 24 August more relevant to British fans than usual.
What Would Change Our Minds
Two things. First, Cincinnati: it is the last full-strength event before New York and the clearest read on whether Alcaraz is back. Second, the draw ceremony on 27 August. A 15-day schedule with a top-heavy quarter can end a favourite’s tournament before the second week, and neither of our picks is immune to that.
FAQ
US Open 2026 Predictions FAQs
Who will win the US Open 2026?
We are predicting Jannik Sinner in the men’s draw and Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s. Sinner is world No. 1 and won this title in 2024; Sabalenka is going for a third consecutive US Open.
Who are the defending US Open champions?
Carlos Alcaraz won the 2025 men’s title, beating Jannik Sinner 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4. Aryna Sabalenka won the women’s, beating Amanda Anisimova 6-3 7-6(3).
When are the US Open 2026 finals?
The women’s singles final is on Saturday 12 September and the men’s singles final is on Sunday 13 September. Full detail is on our US Open final page.
Are Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper playing?
Both are in doubt. Raducanu has been dealing with a leg stress fracture and Draper with an arm problem that may leave him needing a wildcard or a qualifying run.
More Coverage
For markets and each-way angles see our US Open betting tips. For the schedule and how to watch the finals, see the US Open final page, and the full list of champions. Full coverage sits on our US Open hub, every event we follow is in the tournaments index, and the dates are in the 2026 tennis calendar.