Of course, the US Open trophy is on the line. However, the women's draw has an added narrative. Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka's recent slump has brought the race for the world number one ranking to a head here in Flushing Meadows. Four players have the chance to reach the summit by the end of the tournament: a tantalising prospect at an already fascinating event.
If Elena Rybakina reaches the semi-finals, she will be number one regardless of other results. However, should she fail to get that far, Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula can all sit on top of the world, but they must win the tournament. If they don't, Rybakina takes that spot.
Ahead of play getting underway, we take a closer look at the women's draw, analysing the bracket before making a final prediction.
You can check out the men's draw analysis here.
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First quarter
Seeds: Aryna Sabalenka (1), Linda Noskova (6), Marta Kostyuk (11), Diana Shnaider (16), Ekaterina Alexandrova (18), Maja Chwalinska (20), Barbora Krejcikova (27), Ann Li (29)
While the top half of the draw is slightly more straightforward than the bottom, Sabalenka has found herself in a really tricky quarter, especially considering she has been unusually out of form since she won the Miami Open back in April. During that period, she has a 17-7 record, reaching just one semi-final and no finals.
With two-time major champion Barbora Krejcikova a potential third-round opponent, while also occupying the same quarter as Shnaider, Kostyuk and Noskova, she is going to be seriously tested.
Prediction: Kostyuk to beat Sabalenka in the quarter-finals
It is far from certain that Sabalenka even reaches the quarters right now, so this prediction is playing it safe and banking on Kostyuk - who has enjoyed a terrific 2026 - to reach the semis and beat whoever is in her way. The Ukrainian reached the semi-finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year, and has elevated her game to a new level.
Second quarter
Seeds: Jessica Pegula (3), Karolina Muchova (7), Elina Svitolina (9), Sorana Cirstea (16), Jasmine Paolini (19), Anna Kalinskaya (21), Emma Navarro (26), Leylah Fernandez (31)
Perhaps the weakest quarter; there is a real opportunity for a few players here, namely home favourite Pegula. The American reached the final in 2024 and semi-finals last year, losing to Sabalenka both times. She is also coming off reaching the Cincinnati final, so has plenty of reasons to be feeling optimistic about her prospects.
However, Muchova - who reached the Wimbledon final - and Svitolina are not to be underestimated.
Prediction: Muchova to beat Pegula in the quarter-finals
While many are expecting Pegula to come out of this quarter of the draw comfortably, something about Muchova is extremely enticing. She is having the best year of her career, winning a WTA 500 and 1000 title, as well as reaching a Slam final.
She has so much confidence and just won the mixed doubles title with Jakub Mensik. The Czech has reached the semi-finals of the US Open twice, too, so with all these factors, Muchova is reaching the semis!
Third quarter
Seeds: Coco Gauff (4), Mirra Andreeva (5), Amanda Anisimova (10), Iva Jovic (14), Alexandra Eala (17), Anastasia Potapova (24), Sara Bejlek (28), Jelena Ostapenko (30)
Onto the trickier half, and a quarter littered with some dangerous names. Former champion Gauff, who just won in Cincinnati, could face Eala or Jovic in the fourth round, and facing the former would certainly garner an incredible atmosphere at Flushing Meadows.
While Andreeva or Anisimova are tough potential quarter-final opponents on paper, Andreeva has not been anywhere near her best since winning her maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros, while Anisimova has endured a difficult 2026 in general.
Prediction: Gauff to beat Andreeva in the quarter-finals
Gauff is playing some excellent tennis, and her serve and forehand look to be working really well again. Ultimately, she should be too strong in this quarter, whoever she comes across. She will have incredible home support too.
Fourth quarter
Seeds: Elena Rybakina (2), Iga Swiatek (8), Belinda Bencic (12), Naomi Osaka (13), Madison Keys (22), Elise Mertens (23), Marie Bouzkova (25), Maria Sakkari (32)
The real talking point in this quarter is Rybakina's health, after she suffered what looked like a serious Achilles injury in Cincinnati. Even if she is able to take to the court, it is unclear what shape she will be in.
As a result, recent Toronto champion Swiatek and two-time US Open winner Osaka are big favourites to get to the quarter-finals, setting up a blockbuster match-up.
Prediction: Swiatek to beat Osaka in the quarter-finals
Prior to Toronto, it had been a tough 12 months or so for Swiatek, but under new coach Francisco Roig, her game seems to be slowly getting back on track. She looks more controlled and measured from the back of the court, and that should make the 2022 champion too good for Osaka.
Semi-final and final predictions
Semi-final 1: Karolina Muchova to beat Marta Kostyuk
Semi-final 2: Coco Gauff to beat Iga Swiatek
Final: Coco Gauff to beat Karolina Muchova
Kostyuk reaching three Grand Slam semi-finals in a row would be a fantastic achievement, but it still doesn't feel like she is quite ready to reach a final. On the other hand, Muchova has proven her pedigree at this level, and the craft and variety in her game could really frustrate Kostyuk.
A Gauff vs Swiatek semi-final would make for compelling viewing. Gauff has won their last four meetings, after Swiatek had won 11 of the first 12 between the pair. Currently, the American feels in such a good place with her game, and although it would be no surprise if the Pole triumphed, home advantage might be the crucial factor.
Once Gauff is in the final, it would be so hard to bet against her. However, Muchova has won their last two meetings, including an absolute thriller in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Gauff is a generational athlete and one of the quickest players women's tennis has ever seen. She is unbelievably resilient and tenacious, and now that she has regained confidence in her forehand wing and serve, she could be set to delight the Americans and capture a second US Open title, as well as become the world number one!