The US Open begins Sunday with tennis' final Grand Slam of the year arriving at a pivotal moment for the sport's marquee names. Carlos Alcaraz returns to competition Sunday after a four-month wrist injury layoff to defend his title, while two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka finds herself in rare vulnerability, having failed to advance past the fourth round in recent tournaments. Alcaraz, who insists he is "feeling great" despite the layoff, has acknowledged that uncertainty about his return created "intrusive thoughts", yet believes winning remains possible.
Sabalenka, by contrast, shrugs off concerns about her recent form, with her ranking atop the women's game on the line. The men's draw looms unusually open without Jannik Sinner, creating opportunity across the field. Rising stars like Alex Eala have drawn attention for her potential, while Coco Gauff carries momentum into the tournament. Arthur Fery, fresh from his Wimbledon breakthrough, makes his US Open main-draw debut, and Rei Sakamoto earned her main-draw spot by defeating Kei Nishikori in qualifying. The tournament begins with prize money increases and financial gifts for players, adding to the stakes. Flushing Meadows awaits.