2026 US Open Men’s Draw: Preview and Prediction featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Ben Shelton

The mixed doubles events at the US Open were wrapped up on August 26th. Now it’s time for the main draw matches, which start on Sunday (August 30).

Carlos Alcaraz will enter the tournament as the defending champion. The seven-time Grand Slam champion defeated Jannik Sinner last year. Sinner won’t compete due to a knee injury.

Tournament Details

• Tournament: US Open
• Date: August 30 – September 13
• No. of Entrants: 128 (Singles)
• Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York City
• Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
• Total Prize Money Pool: $108 million
• Defending Champion: Carlos Alcaraz

Top Seeds at the 2026 US Open

• Alexander Zverev
• Carlos Alcaraz
• Felix Auger-Aliassime
• Novak Djokovic
• Flavio Cobolli
• Alex de Minaur
• Daniil Medvedev
• Ben Shelton
• Taylor Fritz
• Arthur Fils

First Quarter

In Jannik Sinner’s absence, Alexander Zverev will compete as the first seed. Zverev, former US Open runner-up, could face Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round.

Rafael Jodar is also a part of this quarter. The Spaniard has performed so well in his debut season that he is considered a favorite. Casper Ruud and Alex de Minaur also belong to this quarter.

Quarterfinal prediction: Alexander Zverev vs. Rafael Jodar

Second Quarter

Felix Auger-Aliassime is the top seed in this quarter, and he could face Learner Tien in the fourth round. Jakub Mensik, who clinched the mixed doubles here with Karolina Muchova, is one of the favorites to make a deep run.

Taylor Fritz and Flavio Cobolli are part of the second half of this quarter and are projected to face each other in the fourth round. Both Fritz and Cobolli are Grand Slam runners-up, reaching the stage at the 2024 US Open and the 2026 French Open, respectively.

Quarterfinal prediction: Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Flavio Cobolli

Third Quarter

This quarter features 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who could meet Cincinnati Masters runner-up Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round. But the Russian ace is not at all in good form.

But if he reaches the quarterfinals, he could lock horns with none other than Novak Djokovic, also the fourth seed. This quarter also features retirement-bound Stan Wawrinka, who finally received the wild card after backlash. Andrey Rublev, Matteo Berrettini, Brandon Nakashima, and Arthur Rinderknech are also part of this quarter.

Quarterfinal prediction: Daniil Medvedev vs. Novak Djokovic

Fourth Quarter

Carlos Alcaraz will headline this quarter. The Spaniard will face Roman Safiullin in what will also be his first match since the opening round of the Barcelona Open.

If Alcaraz reaches the fourth round, he could meet Alexander Bublik, and in the quarterfinals, he could meet home favorite Ben Shelton or Cincinnati Masters champion Arthur Fils.

Quarterfinal prediction: Ben Shelton vs. Carlos Alcaraz

Semifinals

If Zverev meets Cobolli, then it will be their third meeting this season after the quarterfinal of the Madrid Open and the final of Roland Garros. Zverev beat Cobolli to win his career’s first Grand Slam title. Later, he lost to Sinner in the Wimbledon final.

If Alcaraz and Djokovic meet, then it will be their second meeting this season after the Australian Open final. Alcaraz beat the Serb and completed the Career Grand Slam and improved his head-to-head record to 5-5.

Semifinals prediction:

• Alexander Zverev vs. Flavio Cobolli
• Novak Djokovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz

Final

Alcaraz will be the favorite to win if he faces the 39-year-old Djokovic. And if he meets Zverev, he will be hoping to improve his head-to-head record to 8-6.

Sascha and Alcaraz met in the semifinal of this year’s Australian Open, which the Spaniard won. If Alcaraz wins, he will defend his title.

• Final prediction: Alexander Zverev vs. Carlos Alcaraz
• Winner prediction: Carlos Alcaraz

Also read: Anastasia Potapova Lambasts Flight Attendant After ‘Humiliating’ Encounter Before US Open: “She Threatened to Remove Me”