The 2026 Men's U.S. Open tennis championship is poised for an unpredictable outcome, with several top contenders facing question marks, potentially opening the door for surprise winners at Flushing Meadows.
Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time U.S. Open champion, remains a favorite but is priced at +175 by bet365 Sportsbook. His return to action for the first time since April, coupled with Jannik Sinner's injury, has shifted the landscape. Alexander Zverev, the French Open champion, is also in contention at +300, with his half of the draw considered less challenging than Alcaraz's.
Behind the top two, the field is bunched. Novak Djokovic is listed at +800, followed by Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar at 10/1, Ben Shelton at 11/1, and Taylor Fritz at 12/1. Each of these players has aspirations, but faces uncertainties regarding their form and path to victory.
Lorenzo Musetti, priced at 100/1 with bet365 Sportsbook, is highlighted as a potential spoiler. Despite recent injuries, the former World No. 5 reached the quarterfinals at the Cincinnati Masters and appears to be in good form. His unpredictable playing style and skilled movement, even without a dominant serve, make him a difficult opponent. Musetti also reached the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open last year.
Casper Ruud, a runner-up in the 2022 U.S. Open, is available at 100/1 on DraftKings. While his potential is undeniable, his performance can be inconsistent. Supporters will hope for the motivated player who reached the final, rather than the one who exits early. Ruud has a seemingly favorable draw in the initial rounds.
Alexander Bublik, carrying odds of 130/1 at DraftKings, is another intriguing outsider. Known for his powerful serve and athletic ability, Bublik can be a formidable opponent, though his consistency is sometimes questioned. Despite being in Alcaraz's half of the bracket, his projected path to a potential meeting is not considered overly difficult. He represents a high-risk, high-reward bet.
