The 20-year streak Ben Shelton, Alex de Minaur and Joao Fonseca will have an opportunity to break at the Cincinnati Open

Who is the new Cincinnati Open favourite following the withdrawals of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz and why? ⬇️

Ben Shelton, Alex de Minaur, Joao Fonseca and others will look to break that streak later this month.

Ben Shelton leads pack of players from outside of Europe looking to end Cincinnati Open streak

7,297 days have passed since a non-European player won the Cincinnati Open men’s singles event.

The likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray have helped Europe dominate the tournament since Roddick’s win in 2006.

Cincinnati Open winners (2020-2025)

Cincinnati Open winners (2010-2019)

Cincinnati Open winners (2000-2009)

However, with the two best European players in the modern game, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, skipping the 2026 Cincinnati Open, there is a real chance that someone from another continent can end the winless streak.

In fact, of the 32 seeds in Cincinnati, 13 are non-European players.

Non-European seeds at the 2026 Cincinnati Open

• 2. Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada/North America)
• 5. Alex de Minaur (Australia/Oceania)
• 6. Taylor Fritz (USA/North America)
• 8. Ben Shelton (USA/North America)
• 16. Learner Tien (USA/North America)
• 17. Frances Tiafoe (USA/North America)
• 18. Tommy Paul (USA/North America)
• 20. Francisco Cerundolo (Argentina/South America)
• 22. Alejandro Tabilo (Chile/South America)
• 23. Joao Fonseca (Brazil/South America)
• 26. Tomas Martin Etcheverry (Argentina/South America)
• 27. Brandon Nakashima (USA/North America)
• 29. Ignacio Buse (Peru/South America)

Felix Auger-Aliassime, De Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Shelton are the four top-10 seeds to keep an eye on.

The Americans are two of three active non-European players to have won Masters 1000 titles, and both did so in North America.

And they are in solid form, with Fritz winning in Washington and Shelton making a deep run in Toronto.

Other Americans, including Learner Tien and former Cincinnati Open finalist, Frances Tiafoe, could also mount a title challenge.

As could the Aussie, De Minaur, the Canadian, Auger-Aliassime, or some of the ATP Tour’s best South American players.

Fonseca has long been touted as a future Grand Slam and Masters 1000 winner, and now might be the time for him to take home his first ‘big’ title.

Several players could end the streak; however, the European challengers are just as menacing.

Three European players most likely to win the Cincinnati Open

Alexander Zverev

Germany’s Alexander Zverev is arguably the player most likely to extend the European streak in Cincinnati.

The world number three is a former champion in Cincinnati and should be well-rested for the tournament, having lost early in Toronto.

Should he play close to his best, there is every chance Zverev wins the title again in 2026.

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic surprised many when he announced his return to Cincinnati recently.

The Serb hasn’t played the event since he won the title three years ago, defeating Alcaraz in the final.

Having not played since Wimbledon, it’s tough to predict how ready Djokovic is to challenge for the title, but if history has taught us anything, it’s not to bet against the Serb.

Rafael Jodar

There aren’t many players in better form than Spain’s Rafael Jodar.

Ranked well outside the top 100 at the beginning of the year, Jodar is on the verge of a top-10 breakthrough and looks to have the world at his feet.

If things come together in Cincinnati, don’t be surprised if he wins his first Masters 1000 title at the event.

That is, if he hasn’t already won his first in Canada before travelling to Ohio!

The 2026 Cincinnati Open main draw begins on Thursday, August 13.