Defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka return to the 2026 US Open amid injury and form concerns. Experts weigh in on title contenders. Co Co Vandeweghe and D'Arcy Maine pick Coco Gauff for the women's title, citing her Cincinnati win and home-court momentum in New York.

Bill Connelly backs Sabalenka, noting her strong draw and Queens resilience. Aishwarya Kumar selects rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala, citing her WTA title, top-10 wins, and strong Filipino fan support in Queens. Simon Cambers sees Iga Swiatek as dangerous, pointing to her Montreal win and Cincinnati semifinal.

For men's title, Vandeweghe predicts Novak Djokovic will win a record 25th Grand Slam, citing Alcaraz's injury absence and Zverev's hard-court unsuitability. Maine's pick is incomplete in the source. Key names include Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Belinda Bencic, Alexandra Eala, Elina Svitolina, Jasmine Paolini, Madison Keys, and locations: New York, Queens, Cincinnati, Washington D.

C., Montreal.