The 2026 US Open men's draw has seen a surprising collapse, with six of the top ten seeds eliminated by the fourth round at Flushing Meadows. World No.10 Taylor Fritz lost a two‑set lead to Francisco Cerundolo, while former champion Daniil Medvedev also exited. The only remaining top‑10 players are Alexander Zverev, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, and eighth seed Ben Shelton. The dominance of Alcaraz and injured Jannik Sinner, who have claimed 10 of the last 11 Grand Slam titles, has intensified pressure on rivals. Zverev, who finally won a major at the French Open, admits he struggled with nerves, yet he remains competitive. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash warns that the Alcaraz‑Sinner rivalry is unhealthy for the tour. Contributing factors include a weaker top‑10 field, injuries, and fatigue. Novak Djokovic’s first‑round loss was due to age‑related issues, while Felix Auger‑Aliassime cited dizziness. Flavio Cobolli blamed lack of energy, and Arthur Fils lost a tough opener. The women’s draw, however, remains more stable, offering a contrasting narrative of consistency amid the men’s upheaval.

The calm amid the chaos – but anyone can also win women's title – reflects the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis, where mental resilience and physical stamina are tested like never before.