US Open 2026: Title Contenders and Unexpected Distractions
Alcaraz and Sabalenka Lead Title Contention
The 2026 US Open is shaping up as a compelling championship with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz determined to retain his crown despite questions surrounding his readiness. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka has brushed aside talk of recent struggles as she prepares for her campaign in New York. Novak Djokovic, seeking his 25th Grand Slam title, has expressed confidence in his physical condition heading into the fortnight.
Experts have been ranking the tournament's top contenders as the field takes shape, with several storylines capturing attention beyond the main draw. Notably, Japanese player Sakamoto secured her place in the US Open by defeating her hero Kei Nishikori, while Coco Gauff has supported her mother's approach to managing ticket requests from fans.
Off-Court Matters Distract Players
British tennis players, including Katie Boulter, have raised concerns about the marijuana smell permeating the US Open venue, with the distraction becoming a notable talking point among competitors. The issue has drawn enough attention that it has been flagged as a legitimate concern affecting player focus during matches.
Today's tennis headlines
- Experts weigh in: Can Alcaraz defend his title? How will Sabalenka fare? — espn.com
- Ranking the top contenders at the 2026 US Open — espn.com
- Brits at US Open complain of marijuana smell — espn.com
- Sabalenka shrugs off struggles ahead of US Open — espn.com
- Returning Alcaraz giving full effort to US defense — espn.com
- Sakamoto beats hero Nishikori to make US Open — espn.com
- Gauff backs mother for squashing ticket requests — espn.com
- Alex Eala eyes history in homecoming exhibition — espn.com
- Novak Djokovic feels ‘as best as I can be’ before tilt at 25th grand slam title in New York — theguardian.com
- Fery beaten by Buse in Winston-Salem final — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Cannabis smell at US Open is distracting - Boulter — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Keep off the grass: British tennis players complain of marijuana smell at US Open — theguardian.com