2026 US Open Entry Lists Revealed: Sinner, Sabalenka Lead Star-Studded Fields in New York
LINK: Men’s Entry List | Women’s Entry List
The final Grand Slam of the season is beginning to take shape.
The official 2026 US Open main draw entry lists have been released, confirming an extraordinary collection of talent that will descend upon Flushing Meadows this August. Featuring nearly every healthy star from both the ATP and WTA Tours, the tournament is once again poised to deliver two weeks of world-class tennis under the lights at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Fresh off another dramatic summer of hard-court tennis, reigning stars, former champions, rising teenagers, and experienced veterans are all preparing for what promises to be one of the deepest Grand Slam fields in recent memory.
Leading the men’s field is reigning Wimbledon champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, while two-time defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka headlines the women’s draw after another outstanding season.
Men’s Entry List Preview: Can Anyone Stop Jannik Sinner?
The ATP field is loaded from top to bottom.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner arrives in New York as one of the favorites after continuing his dominance on hard courts throughout 2026. His precise baseline game, exceptional movement and ability to absorb pace make him one of the toughest players to defeat over best-of-five sets.
Yet the competition couldn’t be stronger.
Among the biggest challengers expected in the main draw are:
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Novak Djokovic
- Alexander Zverev
- Taylor Fritz
- Lorenzo Musetti
- Alex de Minaur
- Holger Rune
- Ben Shelton
- Tommy Paul
- Daniil Medvedev
- Andrey Rublev
- Casper Ruud
- Hubert Hurkacz
- Jack Draper
- Karen Khachanov
- Felix Auger-Aliassime
The remarkable depth means that virtually every section of the draw could feature blockbuster matchups as early as the third round.
The Next Generation Continues to Rise
One of the defining themes of the 2026 season has been the continued emergence of young stars.
Several of the ATP Tour’s brightest prospects have earned direct acceptance into the US Open thanks to outstanding seasons on both the ATP Tour and Challenger Tour.
Fans should keep a close eye on players capable of making breakthrough Grand Slam runs, particularly those whose aggressive hard-court styles suit the quick conditions in New York.
The transition from established champions to the next generation is well underway, making every early-round match particularly intriguing.
Novak Djokovic’s Pursuit of More History
Even after rewriting nearly every Grand Slam record, Novak Djokovic remains one of the biggest attractions in tennis.
Few players understand how to manage the physical and mental demands of a two-week major better than the Serbian legend, whose experience continues to make him dangerous regardless of seeding.
If healthy, Djokovic remains capable of defeating anyone in the field and adding yet another chapter to one of the greatest careers in sports history.
American Men Looking for a Home Grand Slam Breakthrough
The United States once again enters the US Open with multiple legitimate contenders.
Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda headline a talented American group hoping to end another summer with a home champion.
Shelton’s explosive serve and athleticism make him particularly dangerous in the electric atmosphere of Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Fritz continues to establish himself as one of the world’s most consistent hard-court performers.
With passionate New York crowds behind them, expect the American contingent to receive tremendous support throughout the fortnight.
Women’s Entry List: Sabalenka Headlines a Deep Championship Race
The women’s tournament may be even more competitive.
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka returns looking to capture a third consecutive US Open title, entering as one of the tour’s most dominant hard-court players.
Her biggest challengers include:
- Coco Gauff
- Iga Swiatek
- Elena Rybakina
- Jessica Pegula
- Jasmine Paolini
- Mirra Andreeva
- Qinwen Zheng
- Madison Keys
- Emma Navarro
- Amanda Anisimova
- Naomi Osaka
- Linda Noskova
- Karolina Muchova
- Elina Svitolina
- Beatriz Haddad Maia
The sheer depth of the WTA Tour means there are very few easy opening-round matches.
Coco Gauff Eyes Another New York Title Run
American star Coco Gauff once again enters the US Open among the leading contenders.
Already a Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s biggest global stars, Gauff possesses the athleticism, defensive skills and improving serve necessary to challenge for another title on home soil.
The atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium has consistently elevated her performances, making her one of the players every opponent hopes to avoid.
The Rise of the Next WTA Generation
The women’s tour continues to welcome an exciting wave of young talent.
Several rising stars have secured direct entry into the main draw after breakthrough seasons, adding further unpredictability to an already wide-open championship.
With established champions and fearless newcomers sharing the same draw, early-round upsets are almost inevitable.
Players Returning From Injury Could Change the Tournament
One of the most fascinating storylines entering every Grand Slam is the health of the field.
Several players who missed portions of the season due to injury have earned direct acceptance into the main draw, creating dangerous unseeded opponents capable of disrupting the bracket.
The US Open has historically rewarded players who peak late in the summer, making recent form just as important as season-long rankings.
Hard Courts Reward Complete Players
Unlike the clay of Roland Garros or the grass of Wimbledon, the US Open hard courts reward complete all-around tennis.
Success in New York typically requires:
- Elite serving
- Aggressive baseline play
- Physical endurance
- Exceptional movement
- Mental toughness
- Ability to perform under the lights
Players capable of transitioning quickly from defense to offense have traditionally enjoyed the greatest success.
Dark Horse Contenders
Every US Open produces surprise quarterfinalists or semifinalists.
Several names outside the top favorites could make significant runs thanks to favorable draws and confidence gained during the North American hard-court swing.
Watch for players who excel during the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters, as those tournaments often provide an excellent indicator of form heading into New York.
What Makes the 2026 Field So Strong?
The depth of this year’s entry list stands out.
Unlike seasons where injuries depleted the field, the overwhelming majority of the world’s elite players are expected to compete, creating one of the strongest Grand Slam lineups in recent years.
Nearly every former Grand Slam champion, current Top-20 player, and emerging superstar has secured direct acceptance, setting the stage for outstanding competition from the opening day.
2026 US Open Preview: Final Thoughts
The release of the official entry lists signals that the countdown to the year’s final Grand Slam has truly begun.
With Jannik Sinner leading a stacked ATP field and Aryna Sabalenka chasing a third consecutive US Open crown, tennis fans can expect two weeks filled with compelling storylines, elite rivalries, breakthrough performances and unforgettable night-session drama.
Whether it is established champions seeking to extend their legacies or rising stars looking for their first Grand Slam breakthrough, the 2026 US Open promises to deliver one of the most competitive tournaments of the season.
