Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic in the same half as the US Open announces the singles draw

The 2026 US Open draw has set up a fascinating fortnight in New York, with the men’s singles field opening up considerably following Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal. The world number one withdrew due to an injury to her right knee, eliminating one of the biggest favorites from the tournament.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returns to Flushing Meadows as the No. 2 seed after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury. Alexander Zverev is the top seed while Novak Djokovic is seeded fourth and arrives with a record 25th Grand Slam title firmly in his sights.

The draw also created the possibility of another big showdown between Alcaraz and Djokovic, with the two stars seeded in the same half and therefore potentially meeting in the semi-finals. With Sinner out, that prospect becomes one of the biggest storylines of the tournament.

SINNER’S ABSENCE OPENS THE TITLE RACE

Alcaraz begins his title defense against Roman Safiullin, with the Spaniard expected to face Jaime Faria in the second round and Matteo Arnaldi in the third. He could then face a possible meeting in the fourth round with Alexander Bublik or Tommy Paul. Courtesy: US Open

Djokovic, meanwhile, will look to conserve energy in the opening rounds as he seeks a fifth US Open title. At 39, the Serbian knows that the physical demands of New York can be considerable, especially considering the heat and humidity. In the first round, he will face Argentinian Mariano Navon.

Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime are among those who could benefit from Sinner’s absence. The anticipated quarter-final picture makes the draw particularly interesting as there could be several potential sensational clashes ahead of the semi-final stage.

The women’s draw presents its own set of interesting possibilities. Aryna Sabalenková enters as the top seed and defending champion, seeking her third consecutive US Open title. She begins her campaign against Camila Osorio, while second seed Elena Rybakina faces wild card Thea Frodin. Third seed Jessica Pegula takes on Elena-Gabriela Ruse, while fourth seed Coco Gauff takes on Viktoriya Golubic.

SABALENKA faces a LOADED WOMEN’S FIELD

Sabalenka’s pursuit of a hat-trick will not be straightforward, with her recent form raising questions ahead of her title defence. Courtesy: US Open

Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, remains one of Sabalenka’s biggest threats, while Gauff arrives confident after winning in Cincinnati. Iga Swiatek, seeded eighth, also heads to New York in strong form after beating Toronto and reaching the semifinals at Cincinnati.

Mirra Andreeva, Jessica Pegula, Linda Noskova, Amanda Anisimova, Naomi Osaka and Karolína Muchová further strengthen the women’s field, in which several players have real ambitions for the title.

With Alcaraz and Djokovic potentially on a semi-final collision course, Sinner missing and Sabalenkova trying to make history, the US Open 2026 draw has provided plenty of intrigue before the main draw even begins.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

27 Aug 2026 22:29 IST