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Zverev Becomes No. 1 as US Open Draw Is Reshaped and Alcaraz Returns to Defend

The Aug. 27 draw widens the title race by placing Alcaraz and Djokovic in the same half and confirming Zverev as top seed after Sinner’s withdrawal.

Overview

  • The US Open draw was released Thursday, Aug. 27, and main‑draw play begins Sunday, Aug. 30, with the tournament offering a record $108 million purse.
  • Jannik Sinner withdrew with a right‑knee injury, which elevated Alexander Zverev to the No. 1 seed and materially changed projected match paths for top contenders.
  • Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will open against Roman Safiullin in his first singles match since a right‑wrist layoff and showed visible rust in a mixed‑doubles run with Serena Williams.
  • Serena and Venus Williams received a USTA wild card into the women's doubles draw with Serena opting not to pursue a singles entry, while Venus also drew Sofia Kenin as her first‑round opponent.
  • A string of high‑profile absences and late returns has made the draw unusually open, raising questions about match readiness for returning players and giving a wider group of rivals a clearer path to late rounds.