US Open 2025: Alcaraz Gets Challenging Draw Even Without Sinner in His Half

US Open 2025: Alcaraz Draws Tough Path, Sinner Looks to Defend Title.

Carlos Alcaraz has landed a challenging draw at the 2025 US Open, despite avoiding defending champion Jannik Sinner’s half. The Spaniard, chasing a second Flushing Meadows crown, could face Novak Djokovic in a high-stakes semi-final if both progress as expected.

Alcaraz opens against Reilly Opelka and finds himself in a tough quarter alongside 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev, Toronto winner Ben Shelton, and 2022 finalist Casper Ruud. Djokovic, meanwhile, starts against Learner Tien and holds a 5-3 career edge over Alcaraz, including a four-set win in this year’s Australian Open quarter-finals.

Sinner begins his title defence against Vit Kopriva and could meet last year’s semi-finalist Jack Draper in the quarters. Third seed Alexander Zverev is a potential semi-final opponent. Notable early-round matchups include 11th seed Holger Rune vs. Botic van de Zandschulp and 2014 champion Marin Cilic vs. Alexander Bublik.

Alcaraz enters New York with six titles and 54 wins this season but will face a demanding road to reach another final — and potentially clash with Sinner for the crown.

Women’s Singles: Sabalenka, Swiatek Draw Big Tests

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka opens against Rebeka Masarova and faces a stacked top half featuring Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, and Jasmine Paolini. Potential third-round and quarter-final clashes with Leylah Fernandez, Clara Tauson, and Elena Rybakina loom.

Second seed Iga Swiatek starts against Emiliana Arango and could face Ekaterina Alexandrova in the last 16, Amanda Anisimova in the quarters, and Coco Gauff in the semis. Gauff, 2023 champion, opens against Ajla Tomljanovic, with potential clashes against Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, or Daria Kasatkina in later rounds. Venus Williams, in what could be her final US Open, takes on 11th seed Karolina Muchova, 28 years after her first Flushing Meadows final.