Alcaraz, Djokovic face tough draws at US Open; potential semifinal clash looms

The singles draw for the 2026 US Open has been unveiled, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic tournament with challenging paths for key contenders. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and 39-year-old veteran Novak Djokovic, both seeded in the lower half of the men's singles bracket, could face each other in the semifinals.

Alcaraz, returning from a four-month layoff due to a wrist injury, is the second seed. His opening match is against Russia's Roman Safiullin, whom he has faced once before with a 1-1 record. Potential opponents in later rounds include Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik in the round of 16, and either Arthur Fils, the recent Cincinnati Masters champion, or American Ben Shelton, the Montreal Masters winner, in the quarterfinals.

Djokovic, a four-time US Open champion with 24 Grand Slam titles, faces Argentina's Mariano Navone in his first-round match. Should the fourth-seeded Serbian advance, he could potentially meet the winner of the match between Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka and Italy's Matteo Berrettini in the third round.

In the upper half of the draw, Germany's top seed Alexander Zverev will begin his campaign against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego. Zverev, who captured his first Grand Slam title at the French Open this year, also reached the Wimbledon final, highlighting his strong form.

The draw promises an exciting tournament, with several top players on a collision course. The potential semifinal clash between Alcaraz and Djokovic is particularly anticipated, given their history and current form.