The last Grand Slam of the season is about to begin and there are all the conditions to witness a memorable show. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are certainly the two most anticipated players at the US Open and will not only compete for one of the most important titles of the year, but the result of this tournament will also influence the race for the first position in the ATP rankings.
The world number 1 is still the Italian ace, who was unable to play for three months in 2025 and who will give his best to try to maintain this position. He had to retire after five games during the final of the Cincinnati Masters 1000 due to an illness and confided that he is not at the top of his shape yet, but he will still have a few days to recover since his debut against Vit Kopriva is scheduled for Tuesday 26 August.
The challenge continues
The 22-year-old Spaniard is already virtually ahead of his top rival on the eve of the last Major of the season, but he will have to get a prestigious result at Flushing Meadows to increase his chances of ending the year at the top of the ATP rankings.
The star from Murcia had disappointed expectations in the last edition, in which he was eliminated already in the second round and confessed that he was unable to handle the pressure in the best way. Carlitos has had an excellent season so far, considering that he has already won six titles, including his second Roland Garros in a row.
He will make his debut on Monday 25 August and will have to be especially careful of American veteran Reilly Opelka, who is a really dangerous rival on this surface with his amazing serve.
To become World No.1 at the end of the US Open, Alcaraz must lift the trophy or he must achieve the same result as Sinner, who is called upon to defend his triumph a year ago. The 24-year-old from Sesto Pusteria – on the other hand – must win the tournament or do better than the Spanish ace.
