Flushing Meadows is back in business, and the two players who own the last two US Open titles between them are exactly where the seedings say they should be.
Alcaraz chasing a title he already knows how to win
Carlos Alcaraz arrives in New York as the sport’s dominant storyline of 2026, having already added the French Open to his collection this season and carrying the weight of a reigning champion’s target on his back at Flushing Meadows. A career Grand Slam has been the subject of growing conversation all year, and a strong fortnight in New York would put him within one missing major of completing it.
Sabalenka’s title to defend
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka returns as the two-time defending US Open champion, a run that’s made her the most consistent hard-court performer of the last several seasons. Anyone hoping to dethrone her will have to do it on the court where she’s looked most comfortable in the sport for two years running.
What to watch for as the draw tightens
Early rounds at a Grand Slam are as much about survival as spectacle — heat, upsets, and unseeded players riding a hot week are as much a part of the first several days as the marquee names. With the tournament running through September 7, the more meaningful storylines, injuries and momentum swings still lie ahead in the second week.
Full results and order of play are updated continuously on ThugStream’s live scores feed.
