2026 US Open Entry Field: Aryna Sabalenka Leads Elite Roster
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka headlines the 2026 US Open main-draw entry list, as announced by the USTA on Tuesday. The World No. 1 leads a field of 104 direct entrants, with the remaining 24 spots to be filled by 16 qualifiers and eight wild-card recipients. The tournament will feature 29 of the top 30 players in the PIF WTA Rankings, including all ten of the top-ranked athletes.
Did you know? While 29 of the top 30 players are confirmed, World No. 12 Victoria Mboko is notably absent from the entry list. According to the USTA, her withdrawal stems from a lingering lower-body injury sustained at Queen’s Club.
Top Contenders and Returning Champions
The 2026 draw brings together a mix of current dominant forces and experienced Grand Slam winners. Joining Sabalenka at the top of the field are Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, 2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula, 2023 champion Coco Gauff, and Roland Garros winner Mirra Andreeva. The top 10 is rounded out by Karolina Muchova, Linda Noskova, Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, and Elina Svitolina.
The tournament will also see the return of several past champions. Alongside Sabalenka, Gauff, and Swiatek, the draw includes two-time winner Naomi Osaka and 2021 champion Emma Raducanu. Bianca Andreescu, who secured the title in 2019, is currently slated to compete in the qualifying rounds. Past runner-ups returning to New York include Madison Keys, Leylah Fernandez, and Karolina Pliskova.
Entry Mechanics and Protected Rankings
The USTA confirms that the cutoff for direct entry into the 2026 main draw is World No. 102, held by Anastasia Zakhorova. Players who narrowly missed the direct entry threshold include alternates Ella Seidel, Elsa Jacquemot, and Anna Blinkova. The organization has also confirmed five players will utilize protected rankings to enter the main draw: Lois Boisson, Irina-Camelia Begu, Aoi Ito, Jil Teichmann, and Mananchaya Sawangkaew.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on the final field by monitoring the official USTA main-draw entry list. While the entry list is set, official seeding will not be finalized until shortly before the tournament begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the top-seeded player for the 2026 US Open?
Aryna Sabalenka is the highest-ranked player on the entry list. Official seeding will be determined by the USTA closer to the start of the tournament.
Are all top 10 players competing?
Yes, all ten of the top-ranked players in the PIF WTA Rankings have entered the tournament.
How are the final spots in the 128-player draw filled?
The field consists of 104 direct entrants based on rankings, 16 players who advance through qualifying, and eight players selected for wild-card entries.
What happens if a player withdraws after the list is released?
The USTA maintains a list of alternates to fill vacancies. Currently, the first three alternates are Ella Seidel, Elsa Jacquemot, and Anna Blinkova.
Which players are you watching to make a deep run in New York this year? Share your predictions in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the official seeding announcements.
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