US Open 2025: What to Expect from the Final Grand Slam of the Year

As Wimbledon has drawn to a thrilling close and general sale for this year’s Championships began on 18 August, Grand Slam tennis is firmly back in the spotlight. Now, all eyes turn to the 2025 US Open. The final major of the tennis calendar, slated to run from 24 August to 7 September, has a freshly added 15-day schedule and a reimagined mixed doubles format starting 19-20 August.

Brief History & Facts

Held at the iconic USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, the US Open is famed for its electric atmosphere, night matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and innovation - this year sees an expanded use of video review across all 17 courts. The tournament’s total prize pool has surged to a record $90 million, with singles winners set to earn $5 million each.

Players to Watch

Men’s Contenders:

• Jannik Sinner, the defending champion and Olympian, remains a leading threat, despite retiring from the Cincinnati final due to illness - an incident casting slight doubt over his fitness heading into Flushing Meadows.

• Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off a Cincinnati triumph, enters as a formidable challenger - and potentially primed to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking as Sinner defends points

• Novak Djokovic continues to defy time. At 38, he’s ever a dark-horse candidate, with his formidable experience and fitness making him dangerous nonetheless

• Rising talent Jakub Mensik, a surprise Miami champion this year, is one of the breakout stars to keep tabs on as he looks to go deep in his home slam

• Holger Rune also merits attention following his impressive run to a Masters 1000 final and ATP 500 title, now back in the top 10

Women’s Contenders:

• Aryna Sabalenka, last year’s US Open champion, leads the betting as the favourite to defend her title.

• Iga Świątek, riding high after a Wimbledon win and strong form in Cincinnati, arrives eager to prove her resurgence on a big stage.

• Coco Gauff, with home fans firmly behind her, is also expected to shine - with consistent results pointing to another deep run.

• Alex Eala, the breakthrough WTA star from the Philippines, continues her climb - having already impressed with Grand Slam and tour-level performances earlier in the year.

• Madison Keys, fresh off an Australian Open title (beating both Swiatek and Sabalenka en route), brings renewed confidence and firepower.

Mixed Doubles Buzz

The new-look mixed doubles event kicks off on 19 - 20 August, featuring 16 teams with high-profile pairings like Raducanu/Alcaraz versus Pegula/Draper, and even Venus Williams in action at age 45. Expect short-format thrills, dramatic tiebreaks and hefty prize money to match.

What Makes This Grand Slam Stand Out?

As the final major of 2025, the US Open acts as a capstone - giving fans (especially in the UK) plenty to talk about as the season wraps up. It’s the ultimate proving ground for who's held consistent form across the year, and who will end the season at the pinnacle.