The Stage Is Set in New York
The 2026 US Open gets underway on Sunday, August 30, at Flushing Meadows, marking the climax of another thrilling Grand Slam calendar. The hard-court tournament runs for 15 days, wrapping up with the women's singles final on September 12 and the men's final the following day. Record prize money is on offer this year, adding even more stakes to an already electric fortnight.
Before the main draw even began, Czech duo Jakub Mensik and Karolina Muchova claimed the mixed doubles title, pocketing a cool one million dollars in the process. Meanwhile, the appearance of Carlos Alcaraz and Venus Williams as a mixed doubles pairing generated enormous buzz, reminding fans that entertainment at Flushing Meadows extends well beyond the singles courts.
Defending Champions and Notable Absences
Alcaraz arrives as the reigning men's champion after dismantling Jannik Sinner in last year's final, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. Aryna Sabalenka defends her women's title having beaten Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 in 2025. Both players carry the pressure and the confidence of being the ones to beat.
On the British front, the news is less encouraging. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 champion at this very event, is absent while recovering from a stress fracture. Jack Draper has also pulled out, leaving the British charge to younger contenders including Arthur Fery, who is set to make his main-draw debut.
BBC Sport is providing comprehensive coverage across its website, radio, and BBC Sounds podcast platform throughout the tournament. TennisDraw users have been tracking Alcaraz and Sabalenka as strong bracket favorites heading into the opening rounds.
