Carlos Alcaraz heads into the 2025 US Open with momentum, pedigree, and a game tailor-made for the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. He’s already won four titles this season—including Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros—and his dramatic comeback win over Jannik Sinner in the French Open final showcased his mental toughness and clutch instincts. Alcaraz has an almost-perfect 5–1 record in Grand Slam finals and remains the youngest man in history to reach 12 Grand Slam quarterfinals. His explosive movement, variety, and ability to raise his level in deciding sets (14–1 in five-set deciders) make him a nightmare opponent in high-stakes matches. Having already won the US Open in 2022, he knows how to handle the pressure and atmosphere of New York, and his recent grass-court success—including a third straight Wimbledon final—proves he’s more complete than ever.
Jannik Sinner enters the 2025 US Open as the defending champion and one of the most dominant hard-court player on the ATP Tour. He’s already captured the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, and his win over Carlos Alcaraz at SW19 ended a five-match losing streak against his biggest rival. Sinner has won the last three Grand Slam events played on hard courts and holds a 35–2 record on the surface from last season, showcasing his consistency and adaptability. His powerful baseline game, improved serve, and mental toughness have helped him win eight of his last nine championship matches, with his only loss coming in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros. With momentum, confidence, and a game built for the fast conditions of Flushing Meadows, Sinner is not only the betting favorite but also the most complete contender heading into the final Slam of the year.
Taylor Fritz heads into the 2025 US Open not just as a fan favorite, but as a legitimate title contender with the game and experience to back it up. After reaching the final in New York in 2024, Fritz has continued to elevate his performance, racking up wins on hard courts and climbing into the top five of the ATP rankings. His serve remains one of the most potent weapons on tour, but it’s his improved return game, mental toughness, and willingness to come forward that have made him a more complete threat. Fritz thrives under the spotlight, and few players feed off the energy of a home crowd like he does—especially in the electric atmosphere of Arthur Ashe Stadium. With a deep run already under his belt and a hunger to capture his first Grand Slam, Fritz has both the firepower and the belief to go all the way in 2025
Jack Draper is emerging as one of the most exciting young threats heading into the 2025 US Open. Now ranked inside the top 10 and firmly established as Britain’s No. 1, Draper has made huge strides in both his physical durability and mental game over the past year. His lefty serve is a major weapon, and his heavy forehand can dictate rallies even on the fast hard courts of Flushing Meadows. While his recent fourth-round exit at the French Open to Alexander Bublik was a setback, Draper has shown he learns quickly from losses and uses them as fuel. He’s already made deep runs at Masters events this season and has proven he can go toe-to-toe with the game’s elite. With his confidence growing, his game maturing, and the New York crowd likely to embrace his aggressive style, Draper could be poised for a breakout Slam performance. If the draw opens up and he finds his rhythm early, don’t be surprised to see him in the second week—and maybe even contending for the title.
Frances Tiafoe heads into the 2025 US Open with renewed momentum and a growing reputation as one of the most dangerous players on hard courts. After reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros—his best-ever result at the French Open—Tiafoe has proven he can bring his explosive game to all surfaces. His athleticism, powerful forehand, and crowd-pleasing flair make him a natural fit for the electric atmosphere of New York. Tiafoe’s semifinal run at the 2022 US Open showed he can thrive under the spotlight, and since then, he’s added more consistency and tactical maturity to his game. While his recent loss to Lorenzo Musetti in Paris was a tough four-set battle, it also highlighted his resilience and ability to push elite opponents deep into matches. With the home crowd behind him and a hunger to break through for his first Slam title, Tiafoe could be primed for another magical run at Flushing Meadows.