Alcaraz, Sabalenka seek repeat titles as US Open begins

The 2026 US Open will see two of tennis's brightest stars attempt to defend their titles as the tournament opens at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Alcaraz, the men's defending champion, and Sabalenka, who holds the women's title, headline a field of elite competitors vying for Grand Slam glory.

As the fourth and final major championship of the year, the US Open attracts the world's top-ranked players. Both Alcaraz and Sabalenka have cemented their status among the sport's elite, and their presence as defending champions adds intrigue to an already competitive tournament draw.

The event's schedule will unfold over two weeks of intense competition, with qualifying rounds giving way to main draw matches across both singles competitions. The tournament structure remains consistent with previous years, featuring men's and women's singles alongside doubles and mixed doubles events.

Key storylines beyond the defending champions will emerge as other top seeds pursue their own Grand Slam aspirations. The US Open has historically served as a launching pad for breakthrough performances, with emerging talents and established champions alike converging on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.

Fans and analysts will closely monitor how defending champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka navigate the tournament's demands while facing new challenges from rising contenders in their respective draws.