The 2026 US Open is here, and the men’s draw suddenly feels wide open.

With Jannik Sinner out, Carlos Alcaraz returning after more than four months away, Alexander Zverev installed as the No. 1 seed, and Novak Djokovic still chasing Grand Slam No. 25, there are major questions hanging over almost every favourite.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why Alcaraz’s lack of match play could make him vulnerable early
• Whether Zverev should actually be considered the tournament favourite
• Djokovic’s chances of surviving seven best-of-five matches at 39
• The most dangerous sections of the draw
• Early upset candidates including Alcaraz, Tien, Rublev and Shelton
• Dark horses including Arthur Fils, Brandon Nakashima and Rafael Jodar
• Whether this could finally be the year an American man wins the US Open
• The chances of Shelton, Fritz, Tiafoe and Nakashima
• Our picks for who goes deep and who could crash out early

With Sinner missing and several players arriving in strong North American hard-court form, this could be one of the most unpredictable men’s US Opens in years.

Follow the Talkn Tennis Podcast on Spotify and X for match reactions, previews and plenty more throughout the tournament.

You gotta earn your serves.