Jannik Sinner enters as the top men's contender for the 2026 US Open finals after strong hard-court results, including recent Masters titles, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz faces uncertainty from a lingering wrist injury that prompted his Cincinnati withdrawal. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka leads the field seeking a third straight title, supported by her consistent recent form ahead of challengers like Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina. Key variables include player health reports, hard-court adaptation during the final Grand Slam swing, and draw positioning as the main draw begins later this month at Flushing Meadows, where late scratches or form shifts in the lead-up can reshape semifinal and final matchups.