All You Need to Know About the 2026 US Open

      As much as we all lament the end of summer, there is a silver lining: the US Open. This tennis tournament takes place annually in late August and runs through mid-September, offering New Yorkers a final dose of summer enjoyment before fall sets in and reality resumes. This two-week event is one of the highlights of the year for the city, attracting people from all corners of the globe—athletes and spectators alike—to witness the matches. However, this year, while the men's rankings aren't as tightly contested with Jannik Sinner leading Carlos Alcaraz handily, there remains a fierce competition on the women's side and among lower-ranked male players. Additionally, anything can happen at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the venue for the most intense matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. As the season concludes, top players are weary from previous tournaments, injuries, constant travel, and media obligations. Since hard courts are more prevalent than grass or clay, there’s a larger pool of players experienced on this surface. Winning the US Open is a significant challenge, keeping the stakes high and the outcomes genuinely unpredictable. Given this—and the impressive location of the tournament, set on the grounds of the 1964 World's Fair—everyone with style wants to be part of the scene. Fashion brands like Ralph Lauren host trendy guests night after night, including Kendall Jenner and Emma Watson, while others create custom gear for their athlete ambassadors like Off-White with Serena Williams, Miu Miu with Coco Gauff, and Gucci with Sinner. Securing a front-row seat (or a VIP box) for the must-see matches is one of the most coveted tickets in town during the US Open's two-week span, leading many to endure terrible transport options to and from the city—it's worth it, and savvy attendees know to take the LIRR. Whether you're one of the fortunate few attending or plan to watch from home for 15 consecutive days, the following guide will prepare you for the 2026 season thus far. Discover the established stars, the up-and-coming players to keep an eye on, and, naturally, the best dressed athletes in competition. This is Who What Wear, after all.

      **A Fashion Fan's Guide to the 2026 US Open**

      **THE BASICS**

      For the sake of clarity, let's pretend you're unfamiliar with the US Open. Here's what you need to know: The tournament, established in August 1881, is one of the oldest tennis tournaments still in operation. Initially held in Newport, Rhode Island, it moved to the USTA National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, in 1978, after several relocations, located on the grounds of the 1964 World's Fair and surrounded by other historic sites from that event. In 2006, it was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a title it retains today. The US Open is the last Grand Slam of the year, following the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, making it vital for all the competitors, if not the most significant. The champions of the US Open in both men's and women's singles earn eternal bragging rights, with past winners including legends Serena Williams and Roger Federer, alongside next-generation stars like Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz. This year, the top players will gather in New York City from August 23 to September 13, beginning with fan week and qualifying matches. The main draw starts on the 30th, showcasing the elite talents on the renowned hard courts. Currently, Jannik Sinner leads the ATP singles rankings by a substantial margin, though a knee injury has jeopardized his ability to compete, forcing the Italian star and Gucci ambassador to withdraw from both the Cincinnati Open and the US Open. Second-ranked Alcaraz is also dealing with a persistent wrist injury but will participate in New York, having already paired up with Serena Williams for mixed doubles. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka maintains her top ranking, with number two Elena Rybakina hot on her heels, holding 8575 and 8141 points, respectively. The outcomes of the 2026 US Open will undoubtedly influence the final standings; who will benefit lies closer to the finals on September 12 for the women's and September 13 for the men's matches.

      **THE ESTABLISHMENT**

      After a lengthy period of dominance by well-known tennis stars, a new wave of established winners has emerged. These athletes boast the most lucrative sponsorships—think Miu Miu and New Balance, Gucci and Nike, Louis Vuitton and Rolex—and excel in high-stakes events from Wimbledon to the French Open. Their images are everywhere, especially leading up to the US Open, plastered on scaffolding, painted on brick walls, and featured in numerous subway advertisements. You might recognize them on the court, but allow me to formally introduce them.

      **ARYNA SABALENKA**

      Let's just say it's not wise