The 2026 US Open men's singles draw was revealed on Thursday. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion sidelined for five months with a right wrist injury, and Novak Djokovic land in the same half of the draw for the second consecutive year. Alexander Zverev, elevated to the top seed following Jannik Sinner's withdrawal with a right knee injury, heads the top half.
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Zverev as reluctant favorite
The German, the 2026 Roland Garros champion, will open against Lorenzo Sonego in the first round. It marks the first time Zverev has held the top seed at a Grand Slam, a position he inherits by default after Sinner's knee injury. His projected path to the final appears more favorable than his rivals': third seed Félix Auger-Aliassime would be his potential semifinal opponent. The Canadian opens against Rinky Hijikata and benefits from a relatively kind quarter.
A high-risk return for Alcaraz
The 23-year-old Spaniard has not played a competitive singles match since his injury in Barcelona in April. His first-round clash against Russia's Roman Safiullin will be an immediate test of his fitness after such a prolonged absence. Should he advance through the early rounds, Alcaraz could face Arthur Fils in the quarterfinals. The Frenchman, seeded tenth and fresh off his maiden Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati, draws a daunting opener against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Djokovic eyes a 25th Grand Slam title
The 39-year-old Serb, seeded fourth and a four-time champion at Flushing Meadows, opens against Argentina's Mariano Navone. His quarter could pit him against Daniil Medvedev, the seventh seed and 2023 US Open finalist. If seedings hold, Alcaraz and Djokovic would meet in the semifinals, one year after their clash at the same stage of the tournament. The main draw begins on Sunday, August 30 at Flushing Meadows. (Sources: ATP Tour, Tennis365, ESPN)
