We are living again in an era of tennis where the field is strong, but the outcomes are, as usual. In today's world, either Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz will come out on top, and usually, it's one over the other.
It's recent history beginning to repeat itself, mirroring the days of Grand Slam finals past, showcasing a duel between expected contestants: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, or at the very least, featuring one or the other. Novak Djokovic was also a key featured member of major finals events along with Federer and Nadal, and he is still a threat even today.
Presently, the lights shine brightest on Alcaraz and Sinner. Both are favorites in every single big tournament, and rightfully so. So, is it futile to expect a different outcome in the upcoming US Open? There must be other threats out there, right? If someone is to take down one of these giants, who could it be?
The threats of the field at the 2025 US Open
Novak Djokovic
Yes, the Serbian master is still at it, and by all means, yes, Djokovic is still a threat. Even in his twilight years, the 24 Grand Slam champion is capable of pulling off what could comically be referred to as an upset if he beats out either Sinner or Alcaraz. Yes, an upset, Djokovic, pulling off an upset. Like I said, comical.
Yet, Djokovic winning would be an upset considering the domination that Sinner and Alcaraz are exuding over the rest of the men's field lately. But Djokovic is no scrub these days, having reached the semi-finals of all three Grand Slam events this year so far—one of only two men to do this.
Underdog or not—an upset threat or not—Djokovic is a legitimate threat over any other to topple one of the two beasts at the top of the rankings. Plus, he hasn't won a Grand Slam since '23, so he may be due.
Taylor Fritz
Taylor Fritz is unquestionably the undisputed top American on the ATP tour right now, and he's held that torch since his US Open finals run last year, where he lost to—oh, right, Sinner, surprise, surprise. Overall, Fritz has had a fair '25 season, capturing two titles with a 38-15 match record.
Last year's US Open was Fritz's inaugural Grand Slam finals trip, so you can bet he's motivated to return to that same spot, especially since he's playing on home turf. Fritz is also one of those players that you would have expected to break through by now, yet he hasn't.
He's more than good enough to win a major, but he'll have to find a way to get past either Sinner or Alcaraz to do it. Fritz's disadvantage? He's a combined 1-7 against them head-to-head. Fritz's advantage? Major upsets are a part of history. Stan Wawrinka and Juan Martin del Potro know a little bit about that.
Alexander Zverev
Another threat to take the US Open is another like Fritz, someone who should have broken through by now, but remains without a Grand Slam win: Alexander Zverev. The German has made two previous major finals, and like Fritz, the US Open was one.
What Zverev has in his corner that outmatches Fritz is a much more respectable head-to-head record against Sinner and Alcaraz. Zverev even leads Sinner 4-3 in their clashes while going 6-6 against Alcaraz. Again, like Fritz, Zverev is entirely capable of winning the big one.
Unfortunately, Zverev's '25 season hasn't gone swimmingly, but that doesn't mean he should be fully counted out for the year's last Grand Slam. Zverev remains a contender in any event he plays at, and the US Open should be no different.