The final Grand Slam of the season is here, and all eyes are on New York. The US Open always brings high drama, unpredictable storylines, and plenty of pressure as players battle the long season’s final major. This year, the spotlight shines brightest on two men – Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – and two women – Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
Men’s Singles: Sinner vs Alcaraz – Again?
For the past two years, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the men’s game. Between them, they’ve carved up the last seven major titles and look set for another showdown in New York. With Sinner the defending champion and Alcaraz the 2022 winner, stopping either man feels like mission impossible for the rest of the field.
American sixth seed Ben Shelton put it simply: “If you want to win a big title these days, that’s who you’ve got to go through.”
But if there’s one Slam where surprises happen, it’s the US Open. The slower hard courts, sticky humidity, and end-of-season fatigue have produced six different champions in the past seven years.
The Main Challengers
- Novak Djokovic (38 years old) – Still a threat despite his age, Djokovic is the only man to win the US Open twice in the past decade.
- Alexander Zverev (3rd seed) – Still chasing a first Slam, Zverev has brought in Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, to help unlock his belief. Nadal insists Zverev has the weapons to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz if he can stay mentally strong.
- Taylor Fritz (4th seed) – Last year’s runner-up has the game to go deep again. The American fans will be desperate to see a homegrown champion for the first time since Andy Roddick in 2003.
- Jack Draper (GB No.1) – The 23-year-old Brit reached the semi-finals last year but has been battling an arm injury since Wimbledon. If fit, he could be dangerous.
The stage is set: either Sinner or Alcaraz could cement their dominance, but history says New York sometimes writes its own script.
Women’s Singles: Swiatek or Sabalenka?
On the women’s side, the big question is whether Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka will rise to the occasion.
Iga Swiatek
The 2022 champion and current Wimbledon winner comes in hot after lifting the Cincinnati Open. Despite a slow start to the year, the Polish star is back in form and widely seen as the favourite. Still, as Swiatek herself said: “It doesn’t make sense to call anyone the favourite… so many girls can win the tournament.”
Aryna Sabalenka
The world number one and defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, has had a bit of a mixed season. She hasn’t lifted a Slam in 2025 yet and looked shaky in Cincinnati, but her power and past success in New York mean she’s always dangerous.
Other Names to Watch
- Coco Gauff (3rd seed) – The 2023 champion and current French Open winner. She’s still working on fixing her serve with new coach Gavin MacMillan, but if it clicks, she’s a real threat.
- Jessica Pegula: Last year’s runner-up and one of the most reliable hard-court players on tour.
- Madison Keys: Back in top form and already a Slam winner this season after her Australian Open victory.
- Amanda Anisimova: Riding high after reaching the Wimbledon final and ready to make a big run with the home crowd behind her.
The women’s draw is full of big names, but all eyes are on two players. Iga Swiatek is chasing another US Open crown to add to her already impressive collection, while Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to make history as the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to defend the title.
Final Thoughts
The US Open never disappoints when it comes to drama. On the men’s side, Sinner and Alcaraz look like the ones to beat. In the women’s game, Swiatek and Sabalenka are the big favourites. Still, if there’s one thing New York has taught us, it’s to always expect the unexpected. An upset could be just around the corner.
Who will rise? Who will fall? Over the next two weeks, New York will give us the answers.
