New Delhi, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The US Open 2026 gets underway at Flushing Meadows on August 30, with the final Grand Slam of the season bringing together major records, comeback stories and some of the biggest names in tennis.
From Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title to Carlos Alcaraz’s return from injury and the reunion of Serena and Venus Williams in doubles, here are five storylines to watch in New York.
Record $108 million prize pool
The US Open will offer a record $108 million in total player compensation this year, a 20 per cent increase from 2025. The men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive $5.5 million, while every player reaching the 128-player singles main draw is guaranteed $140,000.
The figures make the New York major the richest Grand Slam in tennis history in terms of total prize money, adding substantial financial stakes to every round.
Djokovic chasing a record 25th major
Novak Djokovic arrives in New York with another piece of tennis history within reach. The 39-year-old Serbian is seeking his 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would move him clear of Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles.
A five-time US Open champion would also be seeking his first Grand Slam title since winning in New York in 2023. With world No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrawing because of a right knee injury and defending champion Alcaraz returning from a lengthy layoff, Djokovic’s route to another title has opened up considerably.
Alcaraz returns to defend his title
Carlos Alcaraz will begin his title defence after returning to competitive action following a four-month absence caused by a right wrist injury.
The Spaniard has not played a singles match since April and missed the French Open, Wimbledon and much of the North American hard-court swing. He confirmed his return to the US Open after extending his recovery period.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion enters a men’s draw made more unpredictable by Sinner’s absence. His form and fitness over two weeks will be among the tournament’s biggest talking points.
Serena and Venus reunite
Serena and Venus Williams will once again join forces in the US Open women’s doubles draw after receiving a wild card. It will be their first appearance together at a Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open.
The sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including US Open crowns in 1999 and 2009. Their return adds considerable star power to the doubles competition.
Serena has already returned to the US Open this year in mixed doubles, partnering Alcaraz. The pair reached the quarterfinals before losing to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.
Sabalenka eyes a New York hat-trick
Aryna Sabalenka begins the tournament as the two-time defending women’s singles champion and is attempting to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open singles titles.
Serena completed that feat from 2012 through 2014. A third straight title would put Sabalenka alongside an elite group of players who have achieved the feat in New York.
Sabalenka’s recent form has added another layer of intrigue to her campaign, but her record at Flushing Meadows makes her one of the leading contenders.
With record prize money, Djokovic’s pursuit of history, Alcaraz’s comeback, the Williams sisters’ reunion and Sabalenka’s title defence, the 2026 US Open enters its fortnight with no shortage of compelling storylines.
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