The US Open is once again serving up a feast for tennis fans, with storylines that feel straight out of a Hollywood script. As the tournament barrels into its second week, the spotlight is fixed on a handful of players whose recent exploits and historical feats are electrifying the sport. From Jannik Sinner’s nerve-wracking title defense to the possibility of a record-breaking showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner, and the surging hopes on the women’s side with Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, there’s no shortage of drama on the hard courts of New York.
Let’s start with the man of the moment: Jannik Sinner. On September 1, 2025, the Italian world number one found himself in a precarious spot against Denis Shapovalov. Down an early break in the third set, Sinner looked vulnerable—especially on his second serve. But champions find a way, and Sinner did just that, clawing back to keep his US Open title defense and his world number one ranking alive. The pressure on Sinner is immense; not only is he fending off challengers for his trophy, but he’s also got the weight of the ranking system breathing down his neck. "The second serve looked vulnerable against Shapovalov and he will need to improve the statistics in that area if he wants to have a chance of retaining his title," noted one analyst. It’s a fair point—Sinner can’t afford to give his rivals any free points if he wants to repeat last year’s triumph.
But the path doesn’t get any easier from here. Next up is Alexander Bublik, the unpredictable 23rd seed from Kazakhstan. Bublik’s confidence is sky-high after a five-set win over Tommy Paul, and he’s no stranger to taking down big names—he beat Sinner in Halle earlier this year, even though Sinner got his revenge at Roland Garros. Bublik’s game plan is clear: serve big, charge the net, and keep Sinner guessing. The Italian, meanwhile, will try to extend rallies, use his trademark angles, and keep his service games tidy. With Bublik’s recent form and fearless approach, this matchup has all the ingredients for an upset. Still, the consensus among experts is that Sinner will raise his level when it matters most. The prediction? Sinner in four sets, but don’t be surprised if Bublik makes him sweat.
While Sinner’s journey is captivating, it’s the bigger picture that has the tennis world buzzing. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have morphed into a modern-day duopoly, dominating the ATP Tour in 2025 with a staggering seven straight Grand Slam singles titles between them. Their rivalry is shaping up to be one for the ages. Earlier this summer, they split the first two major finals: Alcaraz edged Sinner at Roland Garros in an instant classic, only for Sinner to return the favor at Wimbledon with a four-set victory. Now, both are favorites to reach yet another Grand Slam final here in New York.
If Sinner and Alcaraz do meet in the US Open final, they’ll accomplish something never before seen in the Open Era: three Grand Slam final meetings in a single season. That’s right—not even the likes of Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic managed this feat. The last time two men squared off in three major finals in one season was way back in 1964, in the amateur era, when Roy Emerson and Fred Stolle battled for supremacy. Since the dawn of the Open Era in 1968, there have been 17 occasions where the same two men met in two major finals in a season, but never three. The tennis world is on the edge of its seat—will history be made in New York?
It’s not just about the men, though. The women’s draw is brimming with intrigue, especially with Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka set for a blockbuster clash. Gauff, the third seed, has shown remarkable resilience, battling through tough opposition and emotional hurdles. She’s now just four wins away from a second US Open title, but questions linger about her serve consistency. "Maintaining her high standards and level will now be the key for Gauff as she is four victories away from a second US Open title," one commentator observed. Gauff’s focus will be on limiting unforced errors and using her powerful forehand to put pressure on Osaka.
Osaka, seeded 23rd, is in the midst of a stirring comeback. After reaching the WTA 1000 final in Montreal and dispatching Daria Kasatkina in the previous round, Osaka is eager to prove her resurgence is real. If she can dominate on serve and control the baseline with her backhand, she’s got every chance of making a deep run. This match is expected to go the distance, with Gauff favored to edge it in three sets. But with Osaka’s pedigree and renewed confidence, anything could happen. The tennis gods love a good comeback story, and Osaka’s quest for another Grand Slam title is one to watch.
Meanwhile, Andrey Rublev is quietly putting together a strong campaign on the men’s side. The 15th seed has been playing with aggression and control, reminiscent of his impressive Wimbledon run. Rublev is eyeing a breakthrough Grand Slam performance, but he’ll have to get past Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 25th seed, who stunned Alexander Zverev in four sets earlier in the tournament. Auger-Aliassime’s confidence is surging, and he’s been fearless in New York, taking risks and finishing points at the net. The tactical battle will be fascinating: Rublev will use his forehand to dictate play and push Auger-Aliassime back, while the Canadian will rely on his serve and net approaches to keep points short. It’s expected to be a tight contest, but Rublev’s consistency might just give him the edge.
As the US Open barrels toward its dramatic conclusion, the narratives are as compelling as ever. Will Sinner and Alcaraz make history with a third straight Grand Slam final face-off? Can Gauff or Osaka seize the moment and add another chapter to their respective legacies? Will Rublev finally break through at a major, or will Auger-Aliassime’s fearless play carry him deeper into the draw? One thing’s for certain: the action in New York is far from over, and tennis fans around the globe wouldn’t have it any other way.
With so much at stake and history on the line, all eyes remain glued to the courts of Flushing Meadows. The next few days promise high drama, big serves, and, perhaps, a few more twists before the final ball is struck. Stay tuned—this US Open is shaping up to be one for the ages.
