Patrick McEnroe offered early predictions for the approaching 2026 US Open tournament. He singled out Ben Shelton as a key player. He believes Shelton will break a 23-year U.S. men's Grand Slam drought at the US Open. McEnroe commented on Carlos Alcaraz in addition. He said the returning player holds a huge chance at the 2026 competition.
These predictions for Shelton and Alcaraz demonstrate the possibility to overcome the drought in American tennis. Outlets including Tennis World USA and SSBCrack reported on McEnroe's statements about the athletes and the action.