Will Ben Shelton let his dad go? Will Coco Gauff win another Grand Slam? | 5 bold US tennis predictions for 2026

American tennis finds itself in an exciting place, led by youngsters Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton. While the former has already won a couple of Major titles, the latter has some work to do before he ends his country's long wait of a male Major champion.

Madison Keys, Taylor Fritz, Jessica Pegula, Frances Tiafoe, Amanda Anisimova, and other veterans have also made the country proud with their results. 18-year-old Iva Jovic, who claimed her maiden WTA title this year, could be the next big thing on the tour.

The biggest names in American tennis are all in different stages of their successful careers. Here's a look at what 2026 could have in store for them with some bold predictions for top American tennis players:

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#1. Ben Shelton to potentially part ways with his father & coach, Bryan Shelton

Ben Shelton has already accomplished a lot in a relatively short time. Since his debut on the ATP Tour in 2023, he has reached a couple of Major semifinals. He also peaked at No. 5 this year, and won his maiden Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open.

Shelton has achieved all this under the guidance of his father and coach, Bryan Shelton. The latter was a former tennis pro himself, winning a couple of titles during his heyday. Following his retirement in 1997, he turned his attention to coaching. After successful coaching stints with Georgia Tech and the University of Florida, he bid adieu to coaching others to focus his attention on his son.

Unlike other parent-child coaching partnerships, Shelton's father isn't a novice handing out tips. He's deeply familiar with the sport. However, a new perspective always helps. Carlos Alcaraz, who is a year younger than Shelton, has already leapfrogged the American in terms of achievements.

If Shelton wants to catch up with Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner, the other dominant player right now, then he could bring in someone new. Parting ways with his father, even briefly, could yield some positive results for him.

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#2. Serena Williams to embark on a possible comeback

Serena Williams at the Australian Open 201. (Photo: Getty)

Serena Williams set the internet abuzz with rumors of her potential return to the tour. Her name appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency's (ITIA) list a few weeks ago. The anti-doping agency maintains a record of players to be tested to keep the sport clean.

Players don't have to get tested once they retire. However, if they intend to make a comeback, then they have to register with the ITIA at least six months before they think of returning. While Williams quickly denied any talks of a comeback, the evidence is too hard to ignore.

Williams' sister, fellow great Venus Williams, is still competing on the tour. The 23-time Major champion could also be feeling the competitive itch seeing her elder sister enjoying herself on the court.

A potential doubles reunion with her sister, with an eye on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, could be her target. The Williams' sisters have won 14 Major titles and three Olympic gold medals in doubles. They could still give the doubles tour a run for their money if they reunite.

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#3. Coco Gauff to potentially miss out on adding another Major to her tally

Coco Gauff has accomplished a lot in her young career. At just 21 years of age, she's already a two-time Major champion in singles. She recently finished her third consecutive season ranked No. 3. However, there could be a bit of a letdown in 2026, especially at the Majors.

Gauff won her second Major title at the French Open this year. However, she has mounted a successful title defense only once in her career, at the WTA 250 in Auckland. She hasn't been able to do the same at bigger events, failing to defend her WTA Finals crown this year, the US Open a year ago, as well as her WTA 1000 titles.

Wimbledon has become her worst Major in recent times, with two first-round exits in a span of three years. She has been quite consistent on hardcourts, so the Australian Open and the US Open remain well within grasp.

However, with too many contenders on hardcourts, the odds go against Gauff. She failed to win a Major in 2024 after her US Open victory in 2023. She could experience some deja vu in 2026 as well.

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#4. Amanda Anisimova to possibly become a Major champion

Amanda Anisimova at the China Open 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Amanda Anisimova could become a Major champion in 2026. A career-best season in 2025 saw her claiming a couple of WTA 1000 titles, along with runner-up finishes at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Anisimova received a 6-0, 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final. The loss would have been demoralizing for anyone. However, the American gathered herself to reach the US Open final a few weeks later, that too by beating Swiatek in the quarterfinals.

A threat on all-surfaces and to all players, Anisimova's chances of becoming a Major winner in 2026 are quite high. If she maintains her current form, then it's tough to see anyone stopping her once she hits her stride.

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#5. Jessica Pegula to possibly exit the top 10

Jessica Pegula has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour this decade. She cracked the top 10 of the WTA rankings in June 2022 thanks to her quarterfinal finish at the French Open. However, her time in the region could come to an end in 2026.

Pegula finished the 2025 season ranked No. 6, with three titles from six finals. However, with the rise of new stars and the resurgence of former big names like Naomi Osaka, there could be a new crop of contenders waiting to take her spot in the top 10.

Pegula will turn 32 years old in February 2026. The next season could mark the start of her decline. While it won't be a drastic drop-off, a top 20 finish instead of a top 10 finish seems more likely for her next year.

Edited by Rohit