US OPEN. Women¨s Draw. By Leo Canaparo
The women’s draw at the 2026 US Open promises to be one of the most fascinating of the tournament, with former champions, recent finalists and several dangerous contenders all looking to make their mark in New York.
World No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faces an intriguing opening test against Colombia’s Camila Osorio. Sabalenka owns a 2-0 head-to-head advantage, but the Colombian has the ability to make life uncomfortable for even the biggest names.
If Sabalenka advances, she could even find herself facing another Latin American player, Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa, in the early rounds. For Sabalenka, New York has become a particularly special place. She won the US Open in both 2024 and 2025 and arrives this year attempting to complete an extraordinary three-peat at Flushing Meadows.
On another section of the draw, Iga Swiatek opens her campaign against China’s Xinyu Wang, a player she once defeated in spectacular fashion, 6-0, 6-0, at Roland Garros in 2023. If the Polish star gets through her opening rounds as expected, based on both her current level and her experience, the draw could produce a fascinating reunion with Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska, recalling their memorable semifinal encounter at Roland Garros in 2021.
Swiatek also knows what it takes to conquer New York. She captured the US Open title in 2022, defeating Ons Jabeur in the final, and remains one of the most accomplished hard-court players in the field. Her recent return to form has made her one of the players to watch closely in the second week of the tournament.
Coco Gauff, meanwhile, should have a manageable start against Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez. The American arrives in New York with confidence after recently winning the Cincinnati title, and her side of the draw appears more favorable than some of her biggest rivals.
Gauff has already experienced the ultimate glory at Flushing Meadows. In 2023, she captured her first Grand Slam title in front of her home crowd, defeating Sabalenka in a memorable final. That triumph transformed her into one of the biggest stars in American tennis, and she will once again have the support of the New York public behind her.
Jessica Pegula, who begins against Romania’s Elena Gabriela Ruse, and Amanda Anisimova, who opens against fellow American Ashlyn Krueger, are two players with legitimate hopes of going deep into the tournament.
Pegula continues her search for a first Grand Slam singles title. Her history at the US Open includes reaching the final in 2024, where she lost to Sabalenka, as well as another deep run to the semifinals in 2025. A possible quarterfinal matchup against Karolina Muchova or No. 9 seed Elina Svitolina could represent a major challenge on her path toward the final weekend.
Anisimova also has unfinished business in New York. Last year, she reached the US Open final for the first time, only to be stopped by Sabalenka in the championship match. The American has already demonstrated that she can thrive on the biggest stages, and another strong run would hardly come as a surprise.
Elena Rybakina begins her campaign against Thea Frodin in what, on paper, appears to be a matchup with a clear favorite. The Kazakh star, however, could face much tougher challenges later in the tournament. A potential fourth-round encounter with Naomi Osaka would immediately raise the stakes.
Osaka remains one of the most accomplished players in the field when it comes to the US Open. The Japanese star is a two-time champion in New York, having lifted the trophy in 2018 and again in 2020. Her experience on the sport’s biggest stage makes her a particularly dangerous opponent for anyone in her section of the draw.
The women’s draw is therefore filled with fascinating storylines. Sabalenka is chasing history and a third consecutive title. Swiatek returns to a tournament she has already won. Gauff is back at the scene of her breakthrough Grand Slam triumph, while Pegula and Anisimova carry the hopes of the American fans.
And with former champions, recent finalists and dangerous newcomers spread throughout the draw, the road to the US Open trophy promises to be anything but predictable.
The final Grand Slam of the season is ready to deliver another unforgettable two weeks in New York.