Anticipation is mounting for the year’s final Major, the US Open, with the qualifying draw now underway. With Jannik Sinner defending his title, Novak Djokovic chasing his 25th Grand Slam, and a new face in Ben Shelton among the top eight seeds, the tournament promises plenty of action for the fans.
With the schedule now released and the main draw just around the corner, let’s look at the top eight seeds entering the tournament.
1. Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner enters the prestigious New York Major as the top seed, riding a rich vein of form. Since returning from his three-month suspension, the Italian has reached the final in nearly every event he has played, with Halle being the lone exception. He captured the Wimbledon crown earlier in July and most recently advanced to the final of the Cincinnati Masters, where he was forced to withdraw due to an unexpected illness.
Jannik Sinner becomes a Grand Slam champion in incredible fashion! pic.twitter.com/5aQhecFGPk
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 28, 2024
Riding strong form and momentum, the Italian arrives as a true favorite to defend his title at Flushing Meadows, beginning his campaign against Czech player Vit Kopriva.
2. Carlos Alcaraz
Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz is also in scintillating form. The 22-year-old boasts a remarkable 54-6 win-loss record this season, with six titles, including the 2025 French Open and the Cincinnati Masters, a key lead-up to the US Open.
Alcaraz opens his campaign against home favorite Reilly Opelka in the first round, aiming to better his underwhelming second-round exit from last year’s edition.
3. Alexander Zverev
Third seed Alexander Zverev enters this year’s US Open with minor fitness concerns, having experienced dizziness and breathlessness during his Cincinnati semifinal against Alcaraz.
Still, the German has shown promise on the North American hard-court swing, reaching the semifinals in both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati, and will aim to carry that momentum into Flushing Meadows. He kicks off his campaign against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.
4. Taylor Fritz
Home favorite and 2024 finalist Taylor Fritz will enter the US Open as the fourth seed. The American has enjoyed a solid season, capturing two titles so far. It has also been in good form on the North American hard courts, finishing in the Washington, D.C. quarterfinals and making the Toronto semifinals.
The American opens his campaign against compatriot Emilio Nava and will look to build on his form as he aims for a deeper run.
MORE: 5 Men’s Players With No Grand Slam Who Could Be Dangerous at US Open, Including Ben Shelton
5. Jack Draper
British youngster Jack Draper is seeded fifth at the New York Major. He has not played since Wimbledon and missed the North American hard-court swing, including the Canadian Open and Cincinnati due to an arm injury. Whether Draper has fully overcome those setbacks and can hit the ground running in Flushing Meadows remains to be seen. He will face either a qualifier or a lucky loser in the first round.
6. Ben Shelton
Following a strong showing at Wimbledon, where he reached the quarterfinals, Shelton has demonstrated the resilience and skill to challenge the tour’s top players. The 22-year-old’s North American hard-court swing was particularly impressive, highlighted by a semifinal run in Washington DC, his first Masters 1000 victory in Toronto, and another semifinal appearance in Cincinnati.
Thanks to his recent resurgence, the American climbed to a career-high No. 6 in the world and will enter the US Open as the sixth seed, marking his first appearance in the top eight. He will face either a qualifier or a lucky loser in the first round.
7. Novak Djokovic
As the new generation storms the US Open, one veteran stands between them and history, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title. Although Djokovic has played sparingly this year, it’s worth noting that he reached the semifinals in all three previous Grand Slams of the season.
The Serb is no stranger to Flushing Meadows, having won the title four times in his career, and will look to claim a fifth. Djokovic faces a stern test from home favorite Learner Tien in what promises to be an opening-day headliner.
8. Alex De Minaur
Another big name aiming for his first Major title is Australia’s Alex De Minaur, who enters the tournament as the eighth seed. De Minaur enjoyed a solid build-up to the US Open, with victories in Washington, DC, and a quarterfinal finish in Toronto. Still, a surprising second-round exit in Cincinnati halted his momentum.
The Australian will open his US Open campaign against compatriot Christopher O’Connell, aiming to replicate, or surpass, his quarterfinal run at Flushing Meadows.
