Jannik Sinner once again became a Grand Slam champion and redeemed himself from the semifinals of the Australian Open against Novak Djokovic and the tough setback he suffered in the second round of Roland Garros, when a heat stroke knocked him out against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo. Hence, he arrived at Wimbledon with the pressure to defend the title and the almost 'obligation' to retain it, especially in the absence of his main rival, Carlos Alcaraz.
The Italian fulfilled his duty, claimed his second Wimbledon title, and secured his fifth Grand Slam at 24 years old. Additionally, he extended his lead over the Spanish player, who couldn't defend the 1,300 points from the previous edition's final. However, with the North American hard court swing starting in two weeks, the perspective changes due to the highly likely return of the Murcian at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, looking ahead to the US Open.
With the announcement that Alcaraz is NOT in the Entry List for Canada, more than one has been scared.
— José Morón (@jmgmoron) July 9, 2026
What's happening to Carlitos? When will he return?
Talking with @ALVAR0SANCHEZ, we reassure you.
Alcaraz is fine. If everything goes as it should, his return will be soon.
I'll tell you more. pic.twitter.com/UnnWD64Wbk
Andy Roddick is very clear about his favorite for the US Open 2026
We'll have to see in what condition Alcaraz returns, but what is clear is that Sinner will arrive in great form, returning to his favorite surface: hard courts. An opinion shared by Andy Roddick, who didn't hesitate to label the Italian as the favorite for the final Grand Slam of the season.
"Sinner remains the clear favorite for the US Open, even if Alcaraz comes back. He needs practice. It's not like he returns and suddenly is back to his best form," stated the former world number one on his 'Served' podcast. Additionally, he wishes for El Palmar's player to come back in the best possible conditions: "We hope he recovers soon. It means a lot for this sport, and Sinner's story is much better with Alcaraz," declares Andy Roddick, who is very certain about his candidate for the title in New York.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "Sinner sigue siendo el gran favorito para el US Open, incluso si Alcaraz regresa"

