The 2026 US Open main draw begins on August 30 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka head the entry list while Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal opens the men’s field.
When and where does the US Open take place?
The main draw runs from August 30 to September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. Quarterfinals start on September 8. Women’s semifinals follow on September 10, men’s semifinals on September 11, the women’s final on September 12 and the men’s final on September 13.
Who are the top seeds?
Women’s singles top ten: Aryna Sabalenka, Elina Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Karolina Muchova, Linda Noskova, Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova and Elina Svitolina.
Men’s singles top ten: Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Taylor Fritz and Alexander Bublik.
What are the main storylines?
World number one Jannik Sinner withdrew with a right knee injury sustained after Wimbledon. His absence removes the expected semifinal matchup with Alcaraz. Novak Djokovic, 39, continues his pursuit of a record 25th major title. Stan Wawrinka received a last-minute wildcard in his final season. Serena and Venus Williams were granted a doubles wildcard.
Who are the leading title contenders?
Alcaraz enters as defending champion with a clear path after Sinner’s exit. Zverev arrives as Wimbledon champion and top seed. On the women’s side Sabalenka seeks a third consecutive title while Gauff and Rybakina remain the strongest challengers.
How much prize money is on offer?
The total purse reaches a record $108 million. The singles champion receives $5.5 million, the finalist $2.8 million and semifinalists $1.45 million each. Doubles winning pairs earn $1 million.
Who will be absent?
Alongside Sinner, notable withdrawals include Joao Fonseca, Jack Draper, Emma Raducanu, Victoria Mboko and Hailey Baptiste.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 US Open start?
The main draw begins on Sunday, August 30 at Flushing Meadows.
Who is the top seed in the men’s draw?
Alexander Zverev holds the number-one seed.
How much does the singles winner receive?
The champion earns $5.5 million from the $108 million total purse.
Is Jannik Sinner competing?
No, Sinner withdrew because of a right knee injury.
Are Serena and Venus Williams playing?
Both received wildcards for women’s doubles; Venus also enters singles.
Key takeaways
- The tournament runs August 30 to September 13 in New York.
- Alcaraz and Sabalenka are defending champions.
- Sinner’s withdrawal changes the men’s draw.
- Total prize money reaches a record $108 million.
- Djokovic seeks a 25th major title at age 39.
