US Open 2026: Alcaraz's injury clouds title defence

Four months after a wrist injury in Barcelona forced Carlos Alcaraz to miss Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Cincinnati warm‑up, his fitness for the 2026 US Open remains uncertain. The Spanish champion, who completed a career Grand Slam earlier this season, withdrew from his last preparatory event and has not played a match since April, leaving his title defence in doubt.

Other storylines include Iga Świątek’s inconsistent form, Aryna Sabalenka’s pressure as a two‑time defending champion, and Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of another US Open crown. American hopefuls such as Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe aim to end a long drought, while Naomi Osaka returns as a seeded outsider. Young talents like Alexandra Eala and Jannik Sinner also feature among the tournament’s dark horses.