Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion returning from a four-month wrist injury layoff, has advanced convincingly through the early rounds at the 2026 US Open, including a straight-sets win over Wu Yibing, positioning him as the clear frontrunner to reach the September 13 final on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Jannik Sinner’s pre-tournament withdrawal and Novak Djokovic’s early exit have cleared paths in the draw, boosting Alexander Zverev in the top half while leaving Alcaraz to navigate a tougher bottom section potentially featuring Ben Shelton. Recent third-round results highlight strong American momentum with Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe progressing, alongside Daniil Medvedev’s steady form, though Taylor Fritz’s elimination underscores the volatility of the field. Quarterfinal and semifinal matchups, along with rest, surface adaptation, and any late injury concerns, will shape which two players contest the title match.