Alcaraz returns to defend his US Open title with momentum on his side, but the draw without Jannik Sinner creates a different landscape than last year. Sinner's absence removes the player who beat him at the Australian Open and has emerged as tennis's hottest prospect. That opens a path for Alcaraz, though he'll face Jannik's absence as a relief more than a guarantee.
Aryna Sabalenka holds the No. 1 ranking heading into Flushing Meadows, but her position looks vulnerable. She's the favorite on the women's side, yet winning a Grand Slam isn't automatic. The WTA field is as wide open as it's been, with multiple contenders capable of taking the title.
Experts split on whether Alcaraz repeats. Some point to his US Open experience and youthful hunger. Others question whether he's playing his best tennis right now. Sabalenka's case is similar. She's got the ranking and the firepower, but consistency under pressure remains a question mark at majors outside Australia.
The tournament starts with uncertainty. That's rare at the US Open, where you usually know who the favorites are and how strong their cases look. This year, nobody's untouchable.