Carlos Alcaraz is chasing history at the US Open, aiming to be the first man to repeat as Grand Slam champ on three surfaces. The catch? He skipped both the Canadian and Cincinnati Opens due to injury. No man has won the US Open without playing either tournament since 1990, making his path especially tough. This just blew open the entire men’s draw.
The US Open Just Dropped a Record $108 Million Purse
Forget bragging rights, because the money stakes are absolutely bonkers this year. The US Open is dishing out a record-setting total purse of $108 million. We’re talking $5.5 million going straight to the singles winners, with the runner-up getting $2.8 million. Even quarterfinalists walk away with $780,000. Semifinalists snag $1.45 million. That’s life-changing cash, and it cranks up the pressure even more for everyone on the court.
Can Ben Shelton Break the American Drought or Will Djokovic Grab 25?
Carlos Alcaraz, despite missing key warm-up tournaments, still aims to be the second man this century to win consecutive US Open titles, following Roger Federer. His path is brutal: Alexander Bublik in the Round of 16, then a potential quarterfinal clash with Ben Shelton, before a possible semifinal showdown with Novak Djokovic. Djokovic, meanwhile, is hungry for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam. He’s got a seemingly friendly draw early, likely facing Brandon Nakashima in the Round of 16 before potentially meeting Daniil Medvedev and then Alcaraz. But the 39-year-old Serbian struggled with heat in Cincinnati and even cut a practice short this week. That’s a red flag. Top-seed Alexander Zverev might have the easiest ride, potentially making the Round of 16 dropping only one set and avoiding Djokovic and Alcaraz until the final. Then there’s Ben Shelton, the American hope, trying to be the first American man to win a major since Andy Roddick in 2003. His road is tough: Tallon Griekspoor, then likely Hubert Hurkacz, and possibly a thrilling Round of 16 against Arthur Fils. If he can get through that, especially with Djokovic and Alcaraz not at their peak, this could be his moment. My prediction? **Ben Shelton over Alexander Zverev in 5 sets.** You heard it here first!
Sabalenka’s Three-Peat Dream Faces a Familiar Foe
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka is the slight favorite, looking to become only the third woman in the Open Era to three-peat at the US Open. Her form lately? Shaky. She lost in the Round of 16 at both the National Bank Open and Cincinnati Open. Her first real test should come in the Round of 16 against Diana Shnaider. This is big because Shnaider *stunned* Sabalenka in the 2026 French Open quarterfinal. So while Sabalenka is expected to prevail, this won’t be a walk in the park. Shnaider is coming in hot.
The US Open kicks off tomorrow, and with all these storylines, record prize money, and history on the line, it’s going to be absolutely wild. Can Shelton actually pull off the upset? Will Alcaraz overcome his injury? Or will Sabalenka get revenge and make history? Get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply