US Open Draw Preview With Zachary Cohen: Can Alcaraz and Sabalenka Repeat? Or Will Gauff, Swiatek, Djokovic and The American Men Have Something To Say?
The Inside-In Tennis PodcastShow Notes
Zachary Cohen joins the podcast to preview The 2026 US Open, with a thorough breakdown of both the men's and women's singles draws. The men's draw is highlighted by the return of Carlos Alcaraz, and the guys discuss his tricky path to defending his title at Flushing Meadows. Cohen examines Ben Shelton's rocky road that includes a potential fourth round showdown with Arthur Fils, and looks at whether Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe or another American truly contend for the crown. The VSIN writer evaluates 24-time major champ Novak Djokovic's chances, and dishes out some of his favorite sleepers in the men's bracket.
In the women's draw, Cohen predicts whether Aryna Sabalenka can return to her trophy-winning form from a year ago, and examines Jessica Pegula's favorable path the final stages of the tournament. Cohen assesses Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek's routes to more US Open glory, Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka's title chances, and Alexandra Eala's ability to truly arrive in New York City. The fellas dish out their favorite first round matchups, and predict who will stand alone as the 2026 US Open champions. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
More from The Inside-In Tennis Podcast
CiCi Bellis joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about her life after tennis, how she came to terms with the end of her playing career, and transitioned to a successful position in the venture capital world. Bellis discusses everything from the business of sports, the grueling tennis schedule, and her role as a board member on the USTA. The former Top 40 player also recaps the career-defining wins by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Shanghai and Maja Chwalinska in Wuhan.
Christopher Clarey joins the podcast for a great conversation about what's going on in the world of pro tennis. Clarey recaps Qinwen Zheng's big title in Beijing, and reflects on a few outbursts and controversies during the Asian Swing. The journalist also dives into Carlos Alcaraz's quest to return to the top of the sport, Alexander Zverev as a the year-end No. 1, and Ben Shelton's potential to keep growing.
Rachel Stuhlmann joins the podcast to discuss her path to becoming the No. 1 influencer in tennis, and how she tries to put a spotlight on game at all levels. Stuhlmann reflects on how a gig in Bulgaria at the Sofia Open was the jumping off point for her career, and how the game continues to grow with more brand partnerships than ever before. The former Mizzou college tennis player discusses her 2026 US Open experience that featured an influx of influencers, and recounted watching Ben Shelton make his career breakthrough after notching a thrilling victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
Monica Puig joins the podcast to discuss a wide range of topics in the tennis world, which proved in the past week that there is no shortage of drama and breaking news. Puig recaps Novak Djokovic's title-run in Beijing, and analyzes how the 24-time major champion can carry this into 2027. The 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist also reacts to Jannik Sinner's decision to end his 2026 season, and dives into Carlos Alcaraz's Tokyo triumph and his ability to enjoy the process.
Scott Sheffield joins the podcast for a conversation about his path from successful oil businessman to philanthropist and tennis enthusiast who is actively growing the game. Sheffield discusses his philanthropical efforts with the New Mexico First Serve Foundation, and their newly minted "Forked Lightning Racquet Club" that was just honored as the USTA's Feature Facility of the Year. On October 17th, First Serve New Mexico will host it's second gala that will feature legends of the sport such as Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova playing, connecting, and supporting local youth in the tennis community. Sheffield explains what is on tap for this event, why the game means so much to his family. and why he's still a dedicated player himself. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.