US Open 2025: Sinner & Alcaraz Favorites; Our Writers Predict Contenders, Upsets, & Deep Runs

The US Open is set to kick off on August 24, with the tennis world eagerly anticipating another Grand Slam showdown. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the clear favorites, but our writers share their thoughts on who could challenge them, who might flop, and who’s poised for a deep run.

Who Will Win?

• Jannik Sinner – Despite a recent retirement in Cincinnati, our writers believe Sinner remains the favorite. His hard-court record is almost impeccable, and he’s yet to drop a match at a hard-court Grand Slam in nearly two years.
• Carlos Alcaraz – Although Sinner is favored, Alcaraz could well prove to be his successor at the top of the game. With mature coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in his corner, the Spaniard could spring a surprise in New York.

Which Big Name Will Flop?

• Daniil Medvedev – The world No. 13 has had a lackluster hard-court season, winning just three matches during the North American swing. After winning the US Open in 2021, Medvedev could be vulnerable this year.
• Iga Swiatek – Despite winning Wimbledon and Cincinnati, Swiatek’s form in the first half of the year was poor by her standards. Some of our writers feel she could be in for an early exit if she faces a certain Latvian in her draw.
• Naomi Osaka – A two-time US Open champion, Osaka has not found her best form recently. Despite reaching the Canadian Open final, our writers think she might struggle in New York.

Novak Djokovic: How Far Will He Go?

After skipping the Canadian Open, Djokovic’s fitness will be a talking point. While some think he could reach the semifinals, others believe he could succumb to an early upset, making an 83rd-career title unlikely.

Coco Gauff: Can She Go All the Way?

Gauff has struggled since winning the French Open but could find her form in New York. Our writers have differing opinions on whether she can reach the final or might fall short, but there’s consensus that she won’t win the tournament.

Ben Shelton: The American Hope

The young American has flown under the radar but has been making waves on the hard courts. Our writers predict a semifinal run for Shelton but don’t see him winning the title this year.

Outsiders to Watch

• Gabriel Diallo – The big-serving Canadian has had an impressive season and could make a deep run at the US Open, having been seeded for the first time.
• Emma Raducanu – The 2021 US Open champion has not been a threat at the event since her famous victory. However, her recent form might see her mount a challenge in New York.
• Alejandro Davidovich Fokina – The Spaniard has had a breakthrough year and could surprise a few in the US Open draw.
• Victoria Mboko – The Canadian upset the odds to win the Canadian Open and could carry that momentum into the US Open.
• Joao Fonseca – The Portuguese player has been tipped for greatness for some time and could finally announce himself on the big stage in New York.

usopen2025.fans: Our Predictions

• **Women’s Champion:** Aryna Sabalenka
• **Men’s Champion:** Carlos Alcaraz
• **Surprise Packet:** Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
• **Underdog to Watch:** Emma Raducanu
• **Most Likely Early Exit:** Daniil Medvedev

We’ve come up with our own predictions for the US Open, and we’d love to hear yours! Let us know who you think will win and why in the comments below.