Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sabalenka and Williams: Five reasons to watch US Open 2026

New York: The final Grand Slam of the season is set to bring tennis' biggest names and some of the sport's most compelling storylines to New York, with the US Open 2026 promising history, high stakes and plenty of star power at Flushing Meadows.

A record prize pool, Novak Djokovic's pursuit of another landmark, Carlos Alcaraz's return to Grand Slam action and the reunion of Serena and Venus Williams are among the major attractions at this year's tournament.

Here are five reasons why the US Open 2026 could be one of the most anticipated events of the tennis season:

The financial stakes at Flushing Meadows will reach unprecedented levels this year, with the US Open offering a record $108 million in total prize money.

The singles champions in both the men's and women's competitions will receive $5.5 million each, while even players competing in the opening round are guaranteed $140,000.

The prize pool is the largest ever offered at a Grand Slam, adding another layer of significance to a tournament where every round carries enormous sporting and financial consequences.

The Serbian great is chasing his 25th Grand Slam singles title, a victory that would take him beyond Margaret Court's tally of 24 major singles titles and give him sole possession of the all-time record.

Djokovic knows the New York stage better than most. A four-time US Open champion, he last won the title in 2023 and has reached the championship match at Flushing Meadows on 10 occasions.

At 39, another demanding two-week Grand Slam campaign presents a significant physical challenge, but Djokovic's ability to rise to the occasion on tennis' biggest stages remains one of the defining features of his career.

Should he make another deep run, the chase for title No. 25 is likely to dominate the conversation throughout the tournament.

Carlos Alcaraz will return to Flushing Meadows as defending champion after spending four months away from competition because of injury.

The Spaniard's absence has made his preparations for the season's final major a major point of interest, with questions surrounding how quickly he can rediscover his best form on one of the sport's biggest stages.

The 23-year-old, already a two-time US Open champion, will be looking to extend his impressive record in New York, although a challenging field stands between him and another title.

His return, and the uncertainty surrounding his form after injury, will make his title defence one of the central stories of the fortnight.

Serena and Venus Williams have received a wild card to compete in the women's doubles draw, marking their first appearance together at the US Open since 2022.