The US Open schedule today is simple: the 2026 U.S. Open begins Sunday at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, opening two weeks of Grand Slam tennis with several major storylines already in place.
The biggest one on the men’s side is health. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending men's champion, is returning after a four-month absence caused by a right wrist injury. Jannik Sinner is also dealing with a right knee injury, leaving the men’s draw with more uncertainty than usual at the top.
Men’s draw: injuries create an opening
When Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are both not at full strength, the field opens up quickly. That does not mean the men’s title is suddenly easy to predict, only that the draw enters the tournament with less certainty than fans would normally expect from a Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic remains one of the names to watch, especially in an event where experience can matter as much as current form. Alexander Zverev is another player who fits into that conversation. With the top names not all arriving in perfect shape, the first week in New York could produce surprise results early.
Women’s draw: unusually balanced
The women’s side looks more settled on paper, but not by much. The draw is described as unusually balanced because all top-10 players hold major titles, which gives the tournament a deeper pool of serious contenders.
Aryna Sabalenka is the current standard-bearer after reaching her last semifinal in late March 2026. Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are also among the key names to watch, while Elena Rybakina adds to a group that makes the women’s bracket feel wide open in a different way.
That mix is what makes the opening day important. The U.S. Open is not just starting a tournament, but setting up a two-week event where form, fitness and draw position could matter just as much as reputation. In New York, that usually means surprises are coming.
