The US Open 2026 has erupted into one of the most dramatic build-ups in recent tennis history, with Serena Williams making a surprise return to Flushing Meadows, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz back after a long injury layoff, and a growing list of major withdrawals shaking the tournament before the main singles draw begins.
The 2026 US Open is officially underway in New York, with Fan Week, qualifying and the revamped mixed doubles event already bringing global attention to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
But the biggest headlines are arriving before the first singles main-draw match has even been played.
The tournament runs from August 23 to September 13, while the men’s and women’s singles main draws begin on Sunday, August 30. The event will conclude with the women’s singles final on September 12 and the men’s championship match on September 13.
Serena Williams Makes Stunning US Open Return
Perhaps the biggest breaking story of the opening week is the return of Serena Williams.
Williams is back at the US Open for her first appearance since 2022, although she is not returning to the singles draw. Instead, the 44-year-old tennis icon is competing in the mixed doubles event alongside defending men’s singles champion Carlos Alcaraz.
The star-studded partnership has immediately become one of the most talked-about stories of the tournament.
Williams and Alcaraz were awarded a mixed doubles wild card and are scheduled to face reigning women’s doubles champion Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool in their opening match. The mixed doubles event also features another blockbuster pairing: world stars Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic.
For Serena, the return carries enormous significance. Her US Open record already includes six singles titles, two women’s doubles titles and one mixed doubles crown.
Now, she is back on one of tennis’s biggest stages — and once again, the spotlight is firmly on her.
Carlos Alcaraz Returns to Defend His US Open Crown
Carlos Alcaraz is also one of the central stories heading into US Open 2026.
The defending champion is returning to competitive tennis after a lengthy absence caused by a wrist injury. His comeback comes after months away from the tour, raising major questions about whether he can immediately return to the level required to win a Grand Slam.
Alcaraz’s return is especially important because the men’s field has already been hit by several high-profile injury absences.
The Spanish superstar, however, has confirmed his intention to compete in New York and defend his US Open title.
The pressure will be enormous.
Can Alcaraz recover quickly enough to survive two demanding weeks in New York? Or will the US Open become the stage for another unexpected champion?
Major US Open 2026 Withdrawals Rock the Tournament
The tournament has already suffered several major blows before the singles main draw begins.
Rising Brazilian star João Fonseca has officially withdrawn because of an abdominal injury. His absence follows withdrawals involving several other prominent names, including world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper and Holger Rune.
Fonseca’s withdrawal is particularly disappointing for fans hoping to see one of tennis’s fastest-rising young stars challenge the established elite.
The growing injury list has dramatically changed the atmosphere around the men’s tournament and could create opportunities for lower-seeded players and emerging stars.
Roger Federer Returns to Flushing Meadows
Another emotional moment is also set to take place in New York.
Roger Federer is returning to Flushing Meadows for a special exhibition event, giving fans a long-awaited US Open farewell.
The Swiss legend has not competed at the US Open since 2019, and his appearance is expected to be one of the major non-singles attractions of the tournament.
Federer is scheduled to take part in an exhibition event alongside fellow tennis legends, with Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe also involved. Serena Williams is also part of the day’s celebrations through her mixed doubles appearance.
Federer has made it clear that this is not a competitive singles comeback, but for fans, simply seeing him back at Flushing Meadows is enough to make the moment historic.
Record $108 Million Prize Money Raises Stakes at US Open 2026
The USTA has announced a $108 million prize purse, the largest in tennis history. The men’s and women’s singles champions will each earn $5.5 million, while first-round main-draw players will receive $140,000.
The massive prize fund represents another major step forward for the tournament and adds even more importance to the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season.
US Open 2026 Is Already Delivering Drama
With Serena Williams back, Carlos Alcaraz returning from injury, Roger Federer making an emotional appearance and several major players missing the event, the 2026 US Open is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams of the year.
The singles tournament has not yet started, but the headlines are coming fast.
The biggest question now is simple: who will rise when the main draw begins on August 30?
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