2026 U.S. Open Without Jannik Sinner: What Will the Men’s Final Look Like? Artificial Intelligence Makes a Prediction
Jannik Sinner’s absence and the uncertainty surrounding Carlos Alcaraz’s condition are creating uncertainty about who will reach the final of the US Open men’s singles draw. The world No. 1 was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury, while the defending champion from Murcia has decided to return to competition after a four-and-a-half-month hiatus, but his condition remains to be seen.
We asked artificial intelligence to predict how the tournament might unfold, which will culminate in the final on September 13.
In the top half of the draw, Alexander Zverev is the No. 1 seed in a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. The German has a favorable draw, but his path to the final won’t be without obstacles. In the early rounds, he’ll need to avoid lapses in concentration as he looks ahead to a potential quarterfinal against the tough Australian Alex de Minaur or the talented Italian Lorenzo Musetti. If he clears the hurdle of the quarterfinals, the semifinal could pit him against Felix Auger-Aliassime in a match that will test the German’s physical and mental endurance over the long haul—though he is expected to emerge victorious.
The bottom half, on the other hand, is a veritable “death corridor” that promises to be explosive right from the start. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and the evergreen Novak Djokovic are the heavy favorites in this half, but the potential matchups are thrilling. The quarterfinals promise spectacular matchups, with Alcaraz potentially facing home favorite Ben Shelton (or Arthur Fils) and Djokovic set to take on Frances Tiafoe (or Daniil Medvedev). The September 11 semifinal between Carlos and Nole is set to become an instant classic: a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympic final.
According to artificial intelligence, Alcaraz has a 60% chance of advancing by winning the battle of nerves and physical endurance and will secure his spot in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Zverev will await him for the match that will decide the season’s final prestigious Grand Slam title.
