Who Will Rule the 2026 U.S. Open?

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova represent the greatest rivalry in tennis history, marked by 80 matches, contrasting styles, and a profound personal friendship.

Serena Williams is returning to play mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open, having used GLP-1 drugs to regain her post-childbirth fitness.

Coco Gauff is the leading American hope at the U.S. Open, but her serve has been a mental struggle that could decide her tournament outcome.

Aryna Sabalenka's emotional intensity is her greatest strength and weakness, making her matches a visceral and sometimes uncomfortable viewing experience.

Iga Swiatek is the best player of the last five years but can be mentally brittle, while Mirra Andreeva and Lynda Noskova are rising young talents to watch.

Carlos Alcaraz is the joyful, improvisational golden child of the current generation, though he has suffered a serious wrist injury.

Novak Djokovic sustains his elite level at 39 through a strict, monk-like regimen of diet, stretching, and wellness, treating his body like a Formula One car.

Ben Shelton is a multi-sport athletic specimen who could have been a quarterback, but his late start at 14 means he has hit millions fewer balls than Carlos Alcaraz.

Frances Tiafoe's background, sleeping at a tennis center where his father worked, and his 2022 U.S. Open run highlight his charisma and the long wait for an American men's Grand Slam champion.

Alexander Zverev has been the best Grand Slam player this season but faces domestic abuse allegations, while Arthur Fils is a rising star hampered by a back stress fracture.

Great tennis players succeed by separating their results from their identity, focusing on the next point, and committing to intentions rather than outcomes.