The US Open always reshuffles the sport’s momentum, and this year’s tournament, played without world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, has opened the door for a handful of players to close out the season as tennis’s biggest storylines.
## Alexander Zverev
Zverev enters the tournament’s second week as the top seed for the first time in his career, fresh off his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros. A strong finish in New York would cement him as the sport’s most in-form player heading into the fall.
## Coco Gauff
Gauff’s dominant Cincinnati Open title, powered by a reworked serve, has made her one of the most dangerous players in the women’s draw. Her run through New York, regardless of the result, sets up a big fall swing for the American star.
## Mirra Andreeva
The reigning French Open champion continues to look like the future of the women’s game. At just 19, Andreeva has already reached the top five of the WTA rankings, and a deep US Open run would only add to a breakout season.
## Ben Shelton
Shelton’s climb to a career-high ranking, fueled by defending his National Bank Open title, makes him one of the American men most likely to threaten deep into Grand Slam draws through the rest of the year.
## Alexandra Eala
Eala’s breakout run to the Cincinnati Open semifinals, where she beat multiple former Grand Slam champions, has made her one of the sport’s most talked-about rising stars heading into the Asian hard-court swing.
## Why These Names Matter Going Forward
Each of these players carries momentum into the Laver Cup, the Asian swing and the season-ending Finals events. For the full rankings picture behind these storylines, see our latest ATP rankings and WTA rankings breakdowns, and for an even longer view, our feature on young players who could become the next Grand Slam champions digs into the sport’s next generation.