The 2026 US Open is rapidly approaching, with the entry lists for the Grand Slam having just been announced.
And there is already plenty of excitement among tennis fans given the presence of ATP superstar Carlos Alcaraz.
The defending champion at the US Open, Alcaraz missed Wimbledon and the French Open because of a wrist injury.
Despite his lengthy absence, he will likely be among the favourites to lift the trophy, but there are plenty of dark horses elsewhere who could spring a surprise.
Who is your pick to win the US Open men’s singles title?
Five dark horses for the 2026 US Open
Emma Raducanu
As has been proven in recent times in both men’s and women’s Grand Slams, shock champions are very much possible.
That was certainly the case for Emma Raducanu when she won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, which she did without dropping a set.
Success has been hard to come by since that stunning title, but she knows how to get the job done in New York, and clearly has the ability to shine when she is not impacted by injury.
Arthur Fery
Arthur Fery fell just short of emulating Raducanu’s US Open heroics at Wimbledon, where he reached the semifinals as a wildcard.
The Briton played out a fairytale story at the All England Club, where he beat French Open runner-up Flavio Cobolli before losing to French Open champion Alexander Zverev.
Fery proved the fine margins of the ATP Tour with that dream run, which should hold him in good stead for his US Open debut.
Naomi Osaka
Unlike Fery, Naomi Osaka has been there and done it all before, with the former WTA number one currently enjoying a new lease of life.
She just recorded her best-ever results at both the French Open and Wimbledon, and will be eager to continue riding that wave at the US Open.
But she also has her stunning success at the event behind her, having won the Grand Slam in 2018 and 2020 with final triumphs over Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka respectively.
| Result | Year | Tournament | Surface | Opponent | Score |
| Win | 2018 | US Open | Hard | Serena Williams | 6–2, 6–4 |
| Win | 2019 | Australian Open | Hard | Petra Kvitova | 7–6(7–2), 5–7, 6–4 |
| Win | 2020 | US Open | Hard | Victoria Azarenka | 1–6, 6–3, 6–3 |
| Win | 2021 | Australian Open | Hard | Jennifer Brady | 6–4, 6–3 |
Alexandra Eala
Like Fery, Alexandra Eala enjoyed a dream Wimbledon run, making history for her nation as she reached the round of 16.
Despite being from the Philippines, Eala is set to gain heavy backing in New York, having rapidly become one of the most popular players in the sport.
Eala has a busy North American hard-court swing to help her prepare for the US Open, where the tricky 21-year-old is definitely a player to avoid in the early stages.
Frances Tiafoe
Of course, while it has proven extremely difficult for some time now, an American men’s Grand Slam champion cannot be ruled out, especially in New York.
The likes of Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz have come close in recent US Opens, and will be expected to compete again this year.
But their compatriot Frances Tiafoe could thrive away from the spotlight, with his form this year and two previous semifinal runs certain to give him great confidence on home soil, along with the huge support he will receive from the fans.
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