Patrick McEnroe offered early predictions for the approaching 2026 US Open tournament. He singled out Ben Shelton as a contender. He thinks Shelton will end a 23-year U.S. men's Grand Slam drought at the US Open. McEnroe commented on Carlos Alcaraz too. He said the star athlete holds a huge chance at the 2026 competition.
These predictions for Shelton and Alcaraz highlight the possibility to break the drought in American tennis. Outlets including Tennis World USA and SSBCrack covered McEnroe's statements regarding the competitors and the action.