US Open 2026 preview, odds, favourites & betting tips

US Open preview

The bright lights of New York are back as the US Open serves up the final Grand Slam of the season. From blockbuster night sessions on Arthur Ashe to surprise runs from the sport's next generation, Flushing Meadows rarely disappoints when it comes to drama.

The hard courts tend to favour the game's biggest hitters, but the US Open has never been short of shocks, with outsiders regularly making headlines alongside the sport's biggest names.

Carlos Alcaraz is the favourite to defend his US Open Men's Singles crown on his return from injury, while Aryna Sabalenka is the favourite to win a third consecutive US Open Women's Singles title in New York.

US Open 2026 key dates

Men's & Women's Singles First Round: Sunday, August 30, 2026

Women's Singles final: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Men's Singles final: Sunday, September 13, 2026

Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, New York

Carlos Alcaraz is the 5/4 favourite to retain the US Open men's title, despite not having played since injury ruled him out of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The Spaniard's absence has been felt across the summer, with men's tennis missing one half of its biggest rivalry. Tennis fans will continue to be deprived of that, with Jannik Sinner now missing through injury himself. Alcaraz now at Flushing Meadows looking to successfully defend his US Open crown, but arrives without any match practice and with questions over how quickly he can rediscover his best level.

Alexander Zverev is next in the betting at 3/1 after a breakthrough campaign which finally saw him land a maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. The German backed that up with a run to the Wimbledon final, confirming his status as one of the elite performers on the men's tour. With Sinner sidelined and Alcaraz returning from a lengthy layoff, Zverev has a huge opportunity to add a second Major title before the end of the year.

The leading American hopes are Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton at 7/1 and 8/1 respectively. Shelton arrives in Flushing Meadows after winning the Canadian Open, the biggest title of his career so far, while Fritz lifted the Citi Open earlier this month. American men's tennis has waited more than two decades for another home winner in New York, and both players will believe they have genuine claims this year.

Aryna Sabalenka is the 3/1 favourite to win a third consecutive US Open title, with the world number one once again heading to Flushing Meadows as the player to beat. The Belarusian has struggled to hit the heights that saw her dominate in New York over the last two years, failing to reach the final in any of her last seven tournaments. However, history suggests that may count for little once she arrives at the year's final Grand Slam. Sabalenka's powerful game is perfectly suited to the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, where she has won the last two titles and established herself as the dominant force in the women's draw.

Coco Gauff is next in the betting at odds of 4/1. Gauff won her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023, but has surprisingly failed to make it beyond the fourth round in either of her two appearances since lifting the trophy. The American arrives in encouraging form, though, after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals before backing that up with victory in Cincinnati. With the home crowd behind her once again, Gauff will hope this is the year she makes another deep run in New York.

Iga Swiatek follows closely at odds of 5/1 to win the women's title. Swiatek became US Open champion in 2022, but arrives with questions to answer after a disappointing Grand Slam campaign by her standards. The Pole has failed to make it beyond the quarter-finals at any Major in 2026, yet there were signs of a return to form in the build-up to Flushing Meadows, where she won the Canadian Open. A six-time Grand Slam champion, Swiatek is not a player many will be keen to face if she has found her level at the right time.

Tennis betting markets

The US Open throws up no shortage of betting opportunities, whether you're backing one of the favourites or hunting for a surprise package.

Tournament winner: Pick the player you think will go all the way and lift the trophy in New York.

Each-way betting: A popular option if you're backing an outsider. Depending on the terms, you'll still collect if your selection reaches the latter stages of the tournament.

Match betting: Back the winner of individual matches throughout the fortnight, from the opening rounds right through to the finals.

Set betting: Predict the exact set score, whether that's a routine straight-sets win or a five-set classic.

In-play betting: The US Open is famous for momentum swings and dramatic comebacks, making live betting an exciting way to get involved as the action unfolds.

US Open betting tips

Look at recent hard-court results: Form in the build-up to New York can be a strong indicator, particularly performances in tournaments such as Cincinnati and the Canadian Open.

Don't ignore rising stars: Every year, emerging players make a breakthrough at Flushing Meadows. Keep an eye on young talents carrying confidence into the tournament.

Conditions can change quickly: Day and night sessions often play differently, with temperatures and court speed affecting how matches unfold.

Fitness matters over two weeks: Grand Slam campaigns are demanding. Players carrying injuries or lacking match sharpness can struggle as the tournament progresses.

Expect the unexpected: The US Open has a reputation for producing shocks. Early rounds often deliver surprise results, especially when highly seeded players face dangerous floaters in the draw.

View the latest tennis odds.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.