The US Open starts next week. The final Grand Slam of the season has the makings of an exciting sporting event, with some of the biggest stars in tennis flying to New York to take the winning trophy. For the men's, Jannik Sinner remains the No. 1 choice, but will face tough competition from numerous players. On the women's side, there's Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 1 tennis player. She has won the US Open for the past two years but has yet to take a title this year.
Here's what you should know.
2026 US Open schedule
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe US Open begins on August 18th, with the qualifying rounds lasting through the 21st. Doubles matches will run from the 24th through the 26th.
Singles matches begin on August 20, with the men's and women's quarterfinals taking place on September 8th. The women's singles semifinals will be on September 10, while the men's singles semifinals are scheduled for the following day.
The women's singles final will be played on September 12. The men's singles final is scheduled for the following day.
The tournament will be available for streaming on ESPN. Additional coverage includes ABC, ESPN 2, and the ESPN app.
Cash prize
© GettyThis year's tournament cash prize has made many headlines. It's the biggest prize yet for the tournament, with a $108 million purse. Each singles champion will receive $5.5 million, half a million more than last year.
Players will make more money the further they advance in the tournament. Check out the cash prizes below:
- Winner - $5.5 million
- Runner-up - $2.8 million
- Semifinalists - $1.45 million
- Quarterfinalists - $780,000
- Round of 16 - $480,000
- Third Round - $290,000
- Second Round - $190,000
- First Round - $140,000
Exciting stories
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe US Open is also an incredible place for heroic stories. It's a tournament with a rich history that has become a staple of New York's sporting life. Roger Federer will be playing an exhibition match, playing against some of his greatest rivals, including Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and John McEnroe.
"So many unforgettable moments of my career happened in New York, and Arthur Ashe Stadium is a place that means a great deal to me. I've missed being part of that atmosphere and feeling the incredible energy that the fans bring every year," said Federer in a statement.
When it comes to exciting developments that could affect the outcome of the tournament, Carlos Alcaraz is making his comeback. After missing Wimbledon due to a wrist injury and resting for the past four months, Alcaraz is ready to play tennis again. "Estoy de vuelta, here we go!" he said in a video statement shared on his Instagram. He won the tournament last year.
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