US Open: What to know ahead of the final Grand Slam of 2025

The tennis world converges on New York’s concrete canyons for the season’s climactic Grand Slam, the US Open.

From 24 August to 7 September, the Billie Jean King Centre in Flushing Meadows will once again host two weeks of action on its hard courts. 

Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka arrive carrying the weight of expectation that defines US Open competition. The Italian world No. 1 seeks to consolidate his recent dominance with a second consecutive title, whilst Sabalenka aims to complete back-to-back triumphs and cement her status as tennis’s premier power player.

The US Open is often where narratives peak and careers pivot. From Emma Raducanu’s fairy-tale run in 2021 to Serena Williams’s iconic farewell in 2022, New York thrives on theatre. Jack Draper is hoping to fly the flag for Britain, while Cam Norrie and Katie Boulter could also have parts to play.

In this preview, we spotlight the favourites, the potential disruptors, and who could be worth a punt in the last major on the calendar. This year is more than a Grand Slam; it’s a test of how tennis can innovate to attract modern audiences while staying true to its traditions, a balance that could shape the sport’s future. Read on to find out more. 

Mixed Doubles Revolution

Mixed doubles has often been tennis’s overlooked sibling, a pleasant side dish to the main-course singles action at Flushing Meadows. Kicking things off at the 2025 US Open, the doubles game was treated to a full rebrand, and organisers, as well as the UK’s best betting sites and bookmakers, were shocked by some of the results. 

This year’s tournament boasted a record prize money of around £790,000,yet it divided opinion. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori argued the changes valued marketable singles stars over dedicated doubles players, but that didn’t stop the Italians from retaining their title.

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu flattered to deceive, while Draper and Jessica Pegula missed out on a place in the final after an epic semi-final defeat to Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek.

With the curtain raised, attention now turns to the singles action as we look ahead to who could reign supreme come the final on September 7. 

Men’s Singles: Sinner’s to Lose

In the men’s singles, the bookies’ favourite, and with good reason, is world No. 1 Sinner at 6/5. The Italian’s record on hard courts over the past 18 months is staggering — 62 wins to just three defeats — and he arrives in New York as the defending champion and fresh from lifting the Wimbledon trophy.

Sinner’s serve remains his most reliable weapon, and his ability to construct points from the baseline sets him apart from other power hitters.

Alcaraz at 13/8 represents his primary threat, with Wimbledon defeat fuelling redemption motivation. The Spaniard remains the only player with multiple recent hard-court victories over Sinner, providing a potential blueprint for success. Both know what it takes to win here, and their clash of styles could be the duel that decides this year’s champion.

Elsewhere, Britain’s Jack Draper emerges at exceptional market value of 20/1. His meteoric rise from outside the top 60 to world No. 4 includes last year’s semi-final and his Indian Wells Masters triumph. Draper’s left-handed power and improved movement patterns create legitimate Grand Slam contention.

American hopes centre on Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, both benefiting from crucial home support. 

Women’s singles: Sabalenka must stand out

Over to the women’s game, and Aryna Sabalenka enters as favourite at 11/4, seeking consecutive US Open titles having swept aside Jessica Pegula in last year’s final. The Belarusian is still seeking her first Slam of 2025 after narrow defeats in Melbourne and Paris.

That said, there is plenty of competition. Iga Świątek (7/2) remains a constant threat, even if her best Slam work has come on clay. Her demolition of Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final underlined her capacity to dominate when locked in.

Coco Gauff (7/1), the 2023 champion, will relish the home crowd, while 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva (12/1) could be the wildcard disruptor after a breakthrough season. Naomi Osaka’s resurgence, boosted by a run to the Canadian Open final and a new coaching setup, adds another layer of intrigue, particularly as her ranking rise ensures a seeding.

A dark horse on the cards?

The US Open is known for its unpredictability, from Julie Coin’s defeat of Ana Ivanovic in 2008 to Richey Reneberg’s victory over Boris Becker in the 90s; there is always the chance of an upset on the cards. There are a few outsiders still worth a punt. 

Jacob Fearnley

One of the fastest risers on tour this season, Fearnley has surged up the rankings with fearless ball-striking and a refreshing attitude. A recent dip in serve confidence has tested him, but his game remains sharp and dynamic. Now playing with a target on his back, the challenge is whether he can handle the quicksand of heightened expectations. If he settles early in New York, his talent and composure make him a dangerous outsider at longer odds.

Ben Shelton

Shelton’s raw power and athleticism light up any hard court, and with the New York crowd behind him, he’s a threat to anyone. His improved movement and shot selection over five sets could make him one of the most dangerous floaters in the men’s draw.

Emma Navarro

Navarro’s semi-final run last year proved she can handle the occasion. Her game has only matured since, with heavier hitting and smarter point construction making her a genuine contender if she finds her rhythm early.

The 2025 US Open feels like a bridge between tradition and the sport’s next chapter. A Sinner title defence could mark the arrival of a new standard-bearer, while the bold mixed doubles revamp might influence how future Slams are staged. 

With storylines ranging from proven champions to potential breakthrough stars, and betting markets alive with both data-driven favourites and long-shot intrigue, New York looks set to deliver two weeks of tennis at its most compelling.