Alcaraz, Djokovic Lead Star‑Filled 2026 U.S. Open Entry Field

Reigning Champion Returns After Wrist Recovery

Two‑time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz headlines the 2026 U.S. Open roster after a six‑month absence caused by a wrist injury that kept him off the ATP Tour since April. The recent U.S. Open champion reports he is 100% healed and will test his form at the Cincinnati Open before Flushing Meadows. His comeback adds a key storyline for fans and signals a potent start to the tournament.

Veteran Challenger Joins Pursuit of Record

Novak Djokovic, still hunting a 25th Grand Slam singles crown, is also listed on the entry sheet released on Tuesday. The Serbian icon’s inclusion adds historic weight to an already star‑studded men’s side that features World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 2 Alexander Zverev. Their combined resumes promise a deep run of former champions at the historic New York event.

Women’s Race for a Historic Three‑Peat

Aryna Sabalenka, the two‑time defending U.S. Open champion, aims to become the first woman to win three consecutive titles since Serena Williams did so from 2012‑2014. Williams, now 44, is absent from the official list but remains a potential wild‑card addition. Joining Sabalenka are Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff, all coming off notable recent victories.

The women’s draw also showcases a strong American presence, led by Pegula, Gauff and Amanda Anisimova. Together with 14 other U.S. players, the nation tops the entry rankings with 28 direct entries. This depth underscores the rising competitiveness of home‑court talent in the Grand Slam circuit.

American Men Feature Top‑10 Talent

On the men’s side, top‑10 Americans Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz secure spots alongside New Jersey native Michael Zheng, who made a surprising third‑round run at Wimbledon. Zheng’s breakthrough performance adds a fresh narrative for American fans ahead of the August schedule. The mix of established stars and rising prospects creates balanced competition.

Special Rankings and Cutoff Details

Eight players, comprising five women and three men, will compete under protected or special ranking status, including Lois Boisson, Juncheng Shang, Irina‑Camelia Begu and Thanasi Kokkinakis. The entry list is based on the July 20 rankings, with the women’s cutoff at No. 102 and the men’s at No. 101. These thresholds ensure a broad but selective field for the tournament.

Tournament Timeline

The 2026 U.S. Open is slated for Sunday, August 23 through Sunday, September 13, with main‑draw matches beginning on August 30. Organizers expect a high‑profile contest on the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Fans can track the full roster and schedule via the official entry documents.