The 128 player US Open men’s singles draw has three former champions included in it. They are Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner.
Will one of these men win the title, or will it be one of the other 125 in the field?
Let’s assess the chances of the three former champions.
1. Carlos Alcaraz Has The Momentum
Carlos Alcaraz is the 2025 Cincinnati Open champion. After an extended break following his Wimbledon loss to Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz looked well-prepared for the US Open.
Alcaraz last won this tournament in 2022. He suffered a shocking second round straight set loss in last year’s US Open to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Last summer was busier with the Paris Olympics occurring between Wimbledon and the US Open. Alcaraz is fresher. He also has history on his side. In the past three years, the Cincinnati Open champion has gone on to win the US Open.
Alcaraz has a difficult US Open draw that begins with a tricky match against American Reilly Opelka who has a blistering serve.
2. Novak Djokovic Has The Reputation
Novak Djokovic is the 2023 US Open champion. That was his 24th Grand Slam win, and the last one he won. Djokovic, 38, is seeking his 25th and has not been shy about saying that his motivation now is to play and excel at Grand Slams.
He has not played any tournaments since losing the Wimbledon semifinal in straight sets to Jannik Sinner on July 11.
His first round opponent is American teenager Learner Tien who confessed that the living legend is his dream opponent.
3. Jannik Sinner Is The World No. 1
Jannik Sinner is the best hardcourt player in the world. He has proven that with his multiple Australian Open wins and by winning the US Open last year. His game is precise, and he does not have the peaks and valleys during a match like Alcaraz.
Before becoming ill at the Cincinnati Open, forcing him to retire in the final and take time off to recuperate, Sinner was the resounding favorite in New York. His physical condition is the big question mark.
Sinner opens his US Open title defense against World No. 87 Vit Kopriva.
Given the men’s landscape in recent years, there is a good chance one of these men repeat. However, American men have been itching to end the decades long drought between Grand Slam wins, and Alexander Zverev would also like to win his maiden Grand Slam.
Watch the US Open beginning Sunday, August 25 on ESPN.
