The US Open 2026 seeding order and tournament schedule take shape as players and organizers prepare for the final Grand Slam of the year at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, according to tournament calendars and official preview announcements.
The tournament timeline features an extended lead-up before the singles main draw begins. According to scheduling details published by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and tournament organizers, the tournament’s qualifying rounds start on Monday, August 24, while the singles main draw officially opens on Sunday, August 30, and runs through the men’s singles final on Sunday, September 13.
US Open 2026 Key Dates and Schedule
The schedule leading up to the main competition includes several notable events across the New York grounds. Fan Week officially kicks off on Sunday, August 23, with the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day moved to the opening day and scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, accessible via a free Fan Access Pass.
Qualifying competition runs from Monday, August 24, through Thursday, August 27, where 128 men and 128 women compete to secure the final 16 main-draw spots in each singles bracket. Additional showcase events include the Mixed Doubles Championship preliminary rounds, a special evening titled “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York” at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday, August 25, at 7:30 p.m. local time, and the Stars of the Open exhibition on Thursday, August 27.
The official singles main draw is announced on Thursday, August 27, following the conclusion of the qualifying rounds. Media Day and the US Open Block Party take place on Friday, August 28, ahead of the main draw start on Sunday, August 30.
How the 32 Singles Seeds Are Determined
Thirty-two players earn seeded status in each singles draw, assigned strictly according to the ATP and WTA rankings published shortly before the event gets underway. According to tournament regulations outlined by the LTA, seeded players cannot face one another in the opening round. Top seeds are distributed across the halves and quarters of the bracket to balance the initial rounds of competition.
Organizers note that if a high-ranking player withdraws from the tournament before the official draw is conducted, the seedings shift accordingly to accommodate the next eligible player in the rankings.
Tournament Week Schedule At a Glance
- Sunday, August 23: Fan Week begins; Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day (9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET)
- Monday, August 24: Singles qualifying starts; Mixed Doubles preliminary rounds
- Tuesday, August 25: Mixed Doubles rounds; “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York” (7:30 p.m. ET)
- Wednesday, August 26: Mixed Doubles semifinals and final (7:00 p.m. ET)
- Thursday, August 27: Qualifying concludes; Singles main draw announced; Stars of the Open exhibition (6:00 p.m. ET)
- Friday, August 28: Media Day and US Open Block Party
- Sunday, August 30: Singles main draw competition begins
- Thursday, September 10: Women’s semifinals; “Open for All Day” free admission community event
- Friday, September 11: Men’s semifinals
- Saturday, September 12: Women’s singles final
- Sunday, September 13: Men’s singles final
Official transit updates confirm that the New York City Subway’s Line 7 will operate increased train service starting Monday, August 24, to manage spectator crowds traveling to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
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