The tennis world now turns its gaze to New York, where the US Open begins on Sunday, August 24 at Arthur Ashe Stadium and runs through September 7. With Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek fresh off their Cincinnati triumphs, anticipation is high for the qualifying rounds, setting the stage for the Women’s final on Saturday, September 6 and the Men’s final on Sunday, September 7.
Here’s our take on the two weeks of top-level tennis ahead.
The Women’s draw is as competitive as ever. But before turning to the in-form contenders, it’s worth pausing for a legend. At 45, Venus Williams — two-time US Open champion and five-time Wimbledon winner — returns for what may be her final appearance in New York. She warmed up in Cincinnati, falling in the opening round to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (6–4, 6–4), and while she is no longer chasing titles, her presence reflects a deep love for the game. On Sunday, she will face Karolína Muchová, offering fans another chance to see a sporting icon that will be held forever in tennis history.
Now, the Women’s singles competition is set to deliver its share of drama. In 2024, Aryna Sabalenka claimed the spotlight by defeating Jessica Pegula [4] 7-5, 7-5. While expectations were high for her in 2025, she fell to Coco Gauff [3] in the Roland-Garros final and suffered a surprising semifinal exit at Wimbledon against Anisimova [9]. Cincinnati was no better: Sabalenka lost to Elena Rybakina [10], showing signs that a US Open title run may be out of reach, as the Bielorussian does not appear to be in peak form. Her quarter of the draw is loaded, with Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini [8], Pegula and Mirra Andreeva [5] all capable of pushing through to the final. A potential quarterfinal clash with Rybakina could prove decisive — Andy Roddick has even suggested it may even be her fatal blow. Instead, it is Iga Swiatek, on the opposite side of the draw, who carries momentum and could seize the chance to close in on the No. 1 ranking by lifting this year’s US Open trophy.
Swiatek arrives in New York in imperious form. She even had the composure, and coolness, to compete in mixed doubles alongside Casper Ruud, reaching the final before falling to specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. In Singles, she swept through the Cincinatti Open with ease and now stands as the clear favorite to lift the trophy at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The path will not be simple, though: potential encounters with Elina Svitolina [12], Coco Gauff [3] or Madison Keys [6] could test her momentum.
On the Men’s side, another storyline takes shape with the return of Novak Djokovic. After a gritty yet memorable Wimbledon — where he beat youngsters Flavio Cobolli [26] and Alex de Minaur [8] before falling to Sinner — Djokovic took time off from singles to focus on preparing for the US Open. He did play mixed doubles alongside comaptriot Olga Danilović, though the pair exited in the first round to Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic’s target this season remains clear: reaching the latter stages of Grand Slams. Standing in his way could be American contenders Frances Tiafoe [12] or Taylor Fritz [4] in a possible quarterfinal clash — particularly dangerous given Fritz’s run to last year’s final and his strong Wimbledon showing. Still, it is never wise to rule Nole out.
While Nole brings attention and excitement, it is difficult to look beyond Sinner and Alcaraz for finalist contenders. Sinner appears stronger and fitter after his illness-forced withdrawal from the Cincinnati final and his absence from mixed doubles in New York. His section of the draw could pit him against Tommy Paul [14] in the Round of 16, Jack Draper [5] in the quarterfinals, and Alexander Zverev [3] in the semifinals. On form, his tennis should carry him through to the final. The lingering questions are whether he is physically ready to withstand the two-week run — and whether he has mentally recovered from the disappointment of Cincinnati.
On the other side of the draw, Carlos Alcaraz stands as the favorite to reach the final. A potential semifinal against Novak Djokovic [7] would be a spectacle, though first he may meet Ben Shelton [6] in the quarterfinals. That clash promises fireworks: the American has enjoyed a strong season, is anchored in the top 10 and will be eager to raise his level on home soil. All in all, the expectation is for Alcaraz and Sinner to meet again on Sunday, September 4. Should Alcaraz triumph, he would reclaim the No. 1 ranking he lost in September 2023. Still, we advise to keep an eye on Taylor Fritz, last year’s finalist, who could yet spring a surprise.
