The final Grand Slam of the tennis season will begin on Sunday at the US Open, and there is a feeling we could have surprise winners in both the men's and women's draws.
On the men's side, we have one of the most open Grand Slams in recent memory as Jannik Sinner has been forced to pull out due to a knee injury. The other standout player in the men's game, Carlos Alcaraz, is playing, but having not played a singles match since April, there are doubts over the Spaniard's fitness.
On the women's side, the world number one Aryna Sabalenka has endured some turbulent form in the build-up to the tournament, and she has admitted that she sometimes doesn't know what she is going to produce when she steps onto the court.
US Open 2026: Outright odds – Men's singles
Carlos Alcaraz – 11/5
Still the favourite despite not playing in over four months. He has also admitted to having intrusive thoughts about his body, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him retire from the tournament midway through. Avoid.
Alexander Zverev – 11/4
Should arguably be the favourite to win the tournament after winning the French Open and reaching the final at Wimbledon. With no Sinner in the field, Zverev is a real danger. Back.
Novak Djokovic – 13/2
Priced as if he is still a genuine contender at these tournament, he isn't. He shouldn't be the third favourite to win the tournament and has been handed a tough first-round match against Mariano Navone, who has enjoyed some good wins on hard courts this summer. Avoid.
Ben Shelton – 10/1
Represents excellent value at 10/1 as a home favourite. His nationality (and personality) will make him hugely popular over the next two weeks, and his form in the build-up to the tournament has been promising, with a win at the Toronto Masters earlier this month. Back.
Taylor Fritz – 11/1
Another player who has been overpriced, based more on his levels of yesteryear rather than on how he is currently playing. While Fritz still has time on his side, he has struggled for most of this season and his serve has become more breakable, particularly when the pressure is on. Avoid.
US Open 2026: Outright odds – Women's singles
Aryna Sabalenka – 3/1
Still the world number one, but has struggled since being dumped out of Wimbledon, with exits in the round of 16 in both of the tournaments she has played since. Avoid.
Iga Swiatek – 5/1
Has regained something close to her top form over the past few months, and has eradicated her issues in three-set matches. Won in Toronto and reached the semi-finals in Cincinnati, meaning she is more than accustomed to the North American hard courts. Back.
Coco Gauff- 5/1
Looks ready to go deep after a productive summer. Reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon, the semi-finals in Toronto and won in Cincinnati. Her forehand issues are still there, though, and could prevent her from getting over the line in a slam. Avoid.
Naomi Osaka – 10/1
Looks increasingly like the player that won four grand-slam titles, and could absolutely win again this week. Has reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals in the two tournaments she has played since Wimbledon, and her serve looks on fire. Back.
Jessica Pegula – 11/1
Definitely capable of a deep run, but there are always going to be concerns about her ability to get over the line until she has won a Grand Slam. Avoid.
Andy is tipster who has been calling Golf tournaments for several years across many different platforms. He has covered all tournaments from the Asian Tour to the Masters. He's also a keen football fan and is an expert on European football.
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