Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Sinner Withdraws, Zverev Becomes US Open Top Seed

8/30/2026

47 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Novak Djokovic of Serbia chases a record 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Jannik Sinner withdrew with a knee injury, making Alexander Zverev the top seed.
Carlos Alcaraz returns to defend his US Open crown, opening against Roman Safiullin.
Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper withdrew due to a stress fracture and an arm injury.
The US Open prize fund totals $108 million, with champions earning $5.5 million and first-round losers $140,000.

History

Historical Context

In September 2008 Roger Federer won his 13th Grand Slam at the US Open, defeating Andy Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 and coming within one title of Pete Sampras’s record of 14. He also won Olympic doubles gold with Stan Wawrinka, became the all-time prize-money leader with over $43.3 million, and missed a Masters 1000 title for the first time since 2003.

1 of 2

Story summary

Novak Djokovic of Serbia chases a record 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Jannik Sinner withdrew with a knee injury, making Alexander Zverev the top seed.
Carlos Alcaraz returns to defend his US Open crown, opening against Roman Safiullin.
Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper withdrew due to a stress fracture and an arm injury.
The US Open prize fund totals $108 million, with champions earning $5.5 million and first-round losers $140,000.

1 / 2