Entertainment
US Open 2026 starts this weekend with a record prize pool and major roster changes
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returns, while world number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn due to injury
The short version
- The 2026 US Open main draw begins on August 30 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, featuring a record $108 million prize pot.
- Men's world number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the tournament due to a right knee injury.
- Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returns to action after a four-month layoff due to a wrist injury.
Key facts
- The 2026 US Open main draw runs from August 30 to September 13 in Flushing Meadows, New York.[Al Jazeera]
- The total prize pool is a record $108 million, with singles winners set to receive $5.5 million each.[Al Jazeera]
- Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament after failing to recover from a right knee injury that has sidelined him since winning Wimbledon.[Al Jazeera]
- Carlos Alcaraz is back to defend his title following a four-month hiatus caused by a wrist injury.[Al Jazeera]
- Serena and Venus Williams received a wildcard entry into the women's doubles draw.[Al Jazeera]
- Former champion Stan Wawrinka received a late wildcard entry following fan outcry over his initial omission from the list.[Al Jazeera]
- Roger Federer ruled out a professional comeback ahead of his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.[Al Jazeera]