Coco Gauff powers into the 2026 US Open) on the back of her Cincinnati Open triumph, where she defeated Jessica Pegula in the final, while Arthur Fils captured the men's crown in the same event. Yet the week's dominant storyline is an ATP Tour injury crisis described as "worst I've ever seen," with Jannik Sinner joining the withdrawal list at Flushing Meadows. Despite the injury concerns, Carlos Alcaraz is returning to Grand Slam competition after more than four months away, calling it "not an easy decision," and will compete in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams against Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool.
Off the court, Roger Federer will play an exhibition against Andy Roddick on Tuesday night—his first appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium since 2019. Alex Eala returns with legitimate expectations of a deep run after breaking a Southeast Asian ranking milestone, while Bianca Andreescu fights to qualify for the main draw seven years after her US Open victory. Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the event, citing the need to rest and recharge. The 2026 US Open) begins Tuesday with the draw now reshaped by absences and comebacks alike.