With Jannik Sinner’s Wimbledon triumph, the last seven Grand Slam titles have gone the way of either the Italian or his rival, Carlos Alcaraz.
Ever since Novak Djokovic clinched his 24th major title at the US Open in 2023, Sinner and Alcaraz have asserted their dominance on the biggest stages in men’s tennis.
In the last two seasons, the world number one has picked up two Australian Open titles, a US Open crown, and now a Wimbledon championship.
The Spaniard, on the other hand, has added three more Grand Slam titles to his name in that time, going back-to-back at Roland Garros, and winning at the All England Club for a second time last year.
Following his victory over Alcaraz on Sunday, Sinner claimed there is now a ‘big target’ on the two stars, as the rest of the ATP Tour looks to put an end to their streak.
That target will be on full display at the US Open later this summer, where five players will pose a genuine threat to the Wimbledon finalists.
1. Ben Shelton
It’s only a matter of time before Ben Shelton reaches his first Grand Slam final, having made yet another deep run at a major in July.
Shelton advanced to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon this year, dropping just one set en route to the last eight in SW19.
| Round | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Quarter-Final | Jannik Sinner (L) |
| Fourth Round | Lorenzo Sonego (W) |
| Third Round | Marton Fucsovics (W) |
| Second Round | Rinky Hijikata (W) |
| First Round | Alex Bolt (W) |
His run marks the second time this year he has made it past the fourth round at a Grand Slam event, following his semi-final appearance at the Australian Open in January.
Still just 22 years old, the American is only getting better, and it wouldn’t be surprising were he to shock one of the ‘new two’ at the US Open in front of a home crowd.
2. Taylor Fritz
From one home hope to another, US number one Taylor Fritz may be the most in-form player on tour outside of Sinner and Alcaraz currently.
Ranked fourth in the world, Fritz reached the Wimbledon semi-finals to record his second-best campaign at a Grand Slam.
- Fritz’s best Grand Slam finishes
- US Open 2024: Final
- Wimbledon 2025: Semi-Final
He met Alcaraz in the final four, who he was agonisingly close to forcing a fifth set against, but ultimately lost in four.
Despite the defeat, the American showed he is capable of competing for a major title, and will hope to go one step further at Flushing Meadows, where he made the final in 2024.
3. Joao Fonseca
For fans patiently waiting for a third star to join Sinner and Alcaraz in a new ‘big three’, their wish may be eventually answered in the form of 18-year-old Joao Fonseca.
Wildly popular in his country, the Brazilian has been tipped by many as the next big star, and is beginning to show why.
The 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals champion has begun to make his mark on the Grand Slam scene, and is improving with every passing tournament.
With three major campaigns under his belt, Fonseca is looking more and more comfortable on the biggest stages, and though it is perhaps still too early to call, he may just surprise everyone in New York.
4. Jack Draper
Despite Jack Draper‘s disappointing run at Wimbledon, the Briton is still one of the top contenders for the US Open title, which he came close to winning last year.
Draper reached the semi-finals at the event in 2024, where, after his best major run to date, he lost to a red-hot Sinner in straight sets.
| Tournament | Result |
|---|---|
| US Open | – |
| Wimbledon | Second Round |
| Roland Garros | Fourth Round |
| Australian Open | Fourth Round |
He has already earned success on hard-court this season, having clinched his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, and will no doubt be determined to bounce back following his second-round exit at the All England Club.
The world number four has improved drastically over the last 18 months and will be among the favourites to hoist the trophy aloft at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
5. Novak Djokovic
In what may be his last appearance at the US Open, Djokovic, aged 38, will continue his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
The Serbian legend is fast approaching the end of his career, and after his semi-final loss to Sinner at Wimbledon, speculation about his retirement is more prominent than ever before.
He certainly looked his age in the final four clash with the 23-year-old, who beat Djokovic in straight sets to advance to the final.
Though his movement is not what it once was, the 24-time major champion is still capable of going far in the biggest tournaments, and should he stay injury-free, he remains the biggest threat to Sinner and Alcaraz.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
