The 2026 US Open begins Sunday with a surprising lack of star power defining the draw. On the men's side, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have both withdrawn due to injuries, ensuring no Alcaraz-Sinner Slam clash this year. Alcaraz returns from a wrist injury but faces a challenging first-round five-setter scenario.

Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic enter as co-favorites after mixed summer performances. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka leads but has struggled recently, allowing Kajsa Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff to challenge for No. 1. The women's race features unusual volatility with 10 different WTA 1000 finalists and seven champions.

ESPN's Bill Connelly identifies 21 players most likely to define the Queens fortnight, with DraftKings odds ranging from Alcaraz at +250 to various dark horses.