The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has confirmed the direct entry list for the 2026 US Open, with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner leading the star-studded fields for the year’s final Grand Slam.
Sabalenka heads to Flushing Meadows aiming to make history by becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open titles. The Belarusian has lifted the trophy in the last two editions and will be hoping to extend her dominance in New York.
On the men’s side, world No. 1 Sinner returns looking to reclaim the title after losing last year’s final to Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian arrives in top form, fresh from capturing the Wimbledon crown by defeating French Open champion Alexander Zverev to claim his fifth Grand Slam title.
Despite missing the last two major tournaments with a wrist injury, Alcaraz has been included in the entry list. The Spaniard, currently ranked No. 3, is expected to return during the North American hard-court season ahead of the US Open.
The United States has the biggest representation in the main draw, with 14 men and 14 women securing direct entry.
Anastasia Zakharova claimed the final automatic spot in the women’s draw at world No. 102, while Filip Misolic completed the men’s entry list using a protected ranking.
A total of eight players, five women and three men, gained entry through special or protected rankings.
The remaining places in the 128-player singles draws will be decided through USTA wild cards and the qualifying tournament, which will take place before the main event gets underway on August 30. Serena Williams is among the names expected to receive a wild card if she is fully fit after her Wimbledon comeback ended with a first-round defeat due to a knee injury.
