Sabalenka and Sinner Lead Direct-Entry Lists for 2026 U.S. Open

The Tennis Association issued the direct-entry lists Tuesday, July 21, drawn from the July 20 WTA and ATP rankings for the season-ending major at Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka sits atop the women's rankings while Sinner holds the top spot on the men's side. Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, will seek a third straight title at Flushing Meadows.

Sinner arrives after defeating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final, his fifth major title. Zverev won the 2026 French Open. Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Sinner in the 2025 U.S. Open final, has missed the last two majors with a wrist injury. He is ranked No. 3 and hopes to return for the North American hard-court swing.

Anastasia Zakharova was the final woman to gain direct entry. Filip Misolic secured a spot with a protected ranking at No. 101. Eight players in total, five women and three men, used special or protected rankings for entry. The main draw begins Sunday, August 30. The remainder of the 128-player fields will be completed with wild cards and qualifying tournaments the prior week.