Ranking the men’s contenders going into the 2026 US Open

Every year since 2003, the big question coming into Grand Slam tournaments is whether an American male will finally win on the sport’s biggest stages.

When tennis was dominated by Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, few American men even reached a final, let alone won a Grand Slam. That’s also held true in recent years, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz dominating the headlines and the competition.

The year’s final Grand Slam is a chance for redemption for the Americans, as seven players from the United States are ranked in the top 50, including some of the men listed below, as well as Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul.

Ranking the men’s contenders going into the US Open

Jannik Sinner

Two of the biggest factors that could keep the 2024 champion from winning again are the heat and injuries. He skipped Cincinnati with a knee injury, and his infamous early exit at the French Open in brutal conditions can be a cause for concern.

Ben Shelton

The big question for Shelton is which version of him is going to show up in New York. The one that blitzed through Montreal or the one that looked tired in Cincinnati and was ousted in the first round?

Alexander Zverev

Confidence is a key component in tennis, and Zverev has loads of it after his French Open triumph. His improved service game will be the key if he plans on making any noise in Flushing Meadows.

Carlos Alcaraz

The defending US Open champion is a threat to win any tournament he enters. The problem is that he has missed the last two Grand Slam events and the entire hardcourt season to date. But he was seen practicing in Cincinnati and looking good doing it, so a comeback and championship are not out of the question.

Taylor Fritz

Is this the tournament where an American male breaks the 23-year-old Grand Slam championship drought? Fritz, a 2024 US Open finalist, has the forehand and serve to compete with any of the top players, so if he gets a favorable draw, he can do more than salvage his 2026 season (he hasn’t gotten past the fourth round at any Grand Slam this year).

Wild card: Félix Auger-Aliassime

The Canadian burst onto the scene and into the top five of the rankings with an impressive showing during last year’s tournament. He is more than capable of making another run toward his first Grand Slam championship.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking the men’s contenders going into the 2026 US Open