The Biggest Names Are In! US Open 2026 Entry List Sets Up Epic Grand Slam Battle

The countdown to the 2026 US Open has officially begun, with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) unveiling the direct entry lists for the year's final Grand Slam. The tournament promises another spectacular fortnight of tennis, headlined by two-time defending women's champion Aryna Sabalenka and Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner, who enter Flushing Meadows as the top-ranked players in their respective fields.

World No. 1 Sabalenka will be chasing a remarkable slice of history as she attempts to win a third consecutive US Open title. If successful, the Belarusian will become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-2014) to complete a hat-trick of championships in New York, further cementing her dominance on hard courts.

On the men's side, Sinner arrives in top form after capturing the Wimbledon title, the fifth Grand Slam trophy of his career. The Italian will also be looking to reclaim the US Open crown after surrendering the title to Carlos Alcaraz in last year's championship match.

Despite missing the previous two Grand Slam tournaments because of a wrist injury, Alcaraz has secured direct entry into the tournament as the world No. 3. The Spaniard is hopeful of returning during the North American hard-court swing, raising the prospect of another blockbuster showdown with Sinner in New York.

The United States has the strongest representation in the tournament, with 14 men and 14 women earning direct entry into the main draw. The cut-off rankings for automatic qualification were No. 102 in the women's singles and No. 101 in the men's field.

Among the final direct entrants were Anastasia Zakharova on the women's side and Filip Misolic, who gained entry using a protected ranking. Overall, eight players secured places through protected or special rankings.

The remaining spots in the 128-player singles draws will be decided through USTA wild cards and the qualifying tournament scheduled before the main event begins on August 30. Veteran Venus Williams, who returned to competitive tennis before suffering a knee injury at Wimbledon, could also feature if she receives a wild-card entry and is fit to compete.

With history, redemption and Grand Slam glory all on the line, the stage is set for another thrilling edition of the US Open.