The US Open draw is widely viewed as more open after Jannik Sinner is sidelined, removing a leading contender. Multiple outlets also point to Carlos Alcaraz returning after missing several months, while noting that Aryna Sabalenka’s form appears to be weaker than usual heading into the tournament.
In last year’s event, Alcaraz and Sinner dominated public expectations, with some coverage characterizing the competition as feeling determined well before the end. This year’s build-up contrasts that narrative: outlets describe a field with fewer clear “front-runner” scenarios for both the men’s and women’s titles.
While all sources focus on the same key changes, they differ in emphasis. One outlet highlights Alcaraz’s task of defending his title after a lengthy absence and frames Sinner’s absence as a major disruption to the men’s race. Another likewise underscores Alcaraz’s and Sinner’s prior dominance, using it as context for why the tournament feels less predictable now. Both continue to cite Sabalenka’s current struggles as part of the perceived uncertainty.
