2026 US Open build-up: form and withdrawals ahead of New York

Players warn US Open's three-week format leaves little time to recover

The U.S. Open has stretched to three weeks, drawing mixed reactions as players warn that the longer schedule leaves little downtime and increases burnout risk, even as officials push for greater growth. Off-court sponsor events and brand obligations during Open week have intensified, adding to players’ fatigue and blurring the line between competition and marketing.

Monfils, 40, rallies past Vallejo to reach US Open second round

Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday with a dramatic US Open win, becoming the oldest man to win a US Open main-draw match since Jimmy Connors while signaling that his farewell tour is underway. The French showman fed off a raucous crowd and his trademark flair as he advanced to the second round amid widespread applause.

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Top seed Zverev survives five-hour US Open thriller

Top seed Alexander Zverev survived a 4 hour 53 minute five-set marathon against Lorenzo Sonego to reach the US Open second round, with the match ending at 1:55 a.m. and highlighting vulnerabilities that could shape his path through a demanding two weeks. The win came as the tournament’s early drama intensified, underscoring Zverev’s resilience but also the physical toll of Grand Slam pressure on a No. 1 seed.

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Alcaraz Reaches U.S. Open Quarterfinals

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a first-set loss to beat Jaime Faria and reach the US Open third round, continuing his comeback from a four-month wrist injury across several night-session matches. The win extended his major-winning run into 2026, as he chases a continued title defense and prepares to face Wu Yibing next.

90 sources

Sabalenka Reaches Sixth Straight US Open Semifinal

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the US Open fourth round for the fifth consecutive year, handling a demanding second set before sealing in straight sets. She will face either Diana Shnaider or Taylor Townsend, while Sabalenka also noted cannabis-smell disruptions around Louis Armstrong Stadium as a distraction during the day’s play.

133 sources

Osaka reaches US Open fourth round, beats Mertens

Osaka endured a roller-coaster win over Elise Mertens, overcoming a mid-match wobble and a medical timeout to edge out 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 and reach the US Open Round of 16. She apologized for on-court conduct after tense moments as crowd support and a late surge sealed the comeback across multiple reports.

8 sources

Alcaraz, Sabalenka advance as Williams sisters return to Grand Slam play

ESPN will carry extensive coverage of the 2026 US Open across 16 courts with RedZone whip-around, streaming, and multilingual options as Day 4 produced major wins for Alcaraz, Sabalenka, Pegula, Shelton and Tiafoe amid weather delays. India's participation centers on doubles with Bhambri, Balaji, and Poonacha, while Nagal failed to qualify in singles, and organizers look toward the 2027 US Open with marquee matchups like Swiatek vs Bouzkova and a Zheng–Keys rematch.

US Open: Osaka Advances, Four Top-10 Men Fall

At the US Open, Osaka, Gauff, Rybakina and Zverev advanced to the third round while Khachanov upset fourth seed Auger-Aliassime and Gael Monfils played his Grand Slam farewell. Auger-Aliassime battled dizziness and possible illness after the match, with Alex Eala joining Osaka and Gauff in advancing toward the weekend rounds.

Sabalenka halts US Open match, citing strong marijuana smell

Sabalenka interrupted her US Open third-round match to report a strong smell of marijuana in the Louis Armstrong Stadium, then proceeded to win 6-3, 6-4 and extend her New York winning streak to 16. She is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open titles, despite the unusual distraction.

23 sources

Carlos Alcaraz adds undershirt after US Open outfit drew jokes

Carlos Alcaraz's US Open run has been shadowed by wardrobe mishaps as his Travis Scott x Nike tank repeatedly exposed a nipple, drawing social buzz and jokes. He responded by adding a white undershirt to curb the slip, stressing it was his decision, as he pursues his comeback from a four-month wrist injury and advances toward the fourth round.

Williams sisters blow 5-0 tiebreak lead in US Open exit

Serena and Venus Williams returned to US Open doubles for the first time since 2022, taking a 5-0 lead in the deciding-set tiebreak before Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint stormed back to win in three sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The defeat coincides with ongoing talk about Serena’s singles comeback and the veterans’ enduring impact and crowd-pleasing presence, even as questions remain about rust and future plans.

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Potapova upsets Anisimova to reach US Open fourth round for first time

Anastasia Potapova upset No. 10 seed Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to reach the US Open fourth round for the first time, benefiting from Anisimova’s 46 unforced errors. A controversy over a suspected mocking gesture afterward circulated online, while Zheng Qinwen surged to defeat Madison Keys to also reach the Round of 16.

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Influencer Disruptions Spark U.S. Open Debate

At the US Open, chair umpire Kader Nouni halted Naomi Osaka's match after influencers in a suite disrupted play with a photoshoot and bright lighting, prompting a brief admonition to sit down. The episodes have intensified the debate over influencers at tennis events, even as the USTA says such incidents are infrequent and notes it is expanding media credentials for content creators to blend digital coverage with on-court action.

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Swiatek wins two tiebreaks, sets up US Open rematch with Zheng

Iga Swiatek defeated Marie Bouzkova in two tight tiebreak sets to reach the US Open fourth round and set up a rematch with Zheng Qinwen, while Qinwen staged a dramatic comeback to advance to the round of 16 and eye a clash with Swiatek. The results keep Swiatek on track despite a challenging season, and place Qinwen as a rising contender who could meet her former Olympic-winning rival in the next stage.

Zheng Completes 0-5 Comeback Over Keys

Alcaraz Wins Open as Djokovic Exits; Sabalenka Defending Champion

Carlos Alcaraz makes his US Open return on Day 2 after a four-month wrist injury layoff, facing Roman Safiullin in what could be a telling test of his form as he defends the title. The event also features a loaded lineup with Sabalenka, Swiatek and Osaka, highlighting the high-stakes atmosphere surrounding a tournament where questions about rust and readiness hang over several top contenders.

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Djokovic Falls to Navone in US Open Round One

Novak Djokovic faces a challenging 2026 US Open draw with a first-round test against Mariano Navone and a potential second-round clash with either Matteo Berrettini or Stan Wawrinka, all while looming quarterfinals could pit him against Daniil Medvedev or a rematch with Carlos Alcaraz as he pursues a 25th major. With Jannik Sinner sidelined and Alcaraz still regaining form, Djokovicis positioned to seize a rare window for title success, even as the field features tough early matchups like Arthur Fery against Zverev and Stan Wawrinka’s rematch with Berrettini entering round two against Djokovic.

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No. 49 Navone ends Djokovic's 78-match Grand Slam opening streak

Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th major collapsed with a historic first-round exit at the US Open, as he battled illness, vomiting and extreme fatigue before losing in five to Mariano Navone, with tears on court and his family watching in New York. The marathon match underscored Djokovic’s fragile health and Navone’s upset victory in what was his longest first-round major match in the Open era.

161 sources

Federer Inducted Into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Roger Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, reflecting on his career and his broader impact on the sport beyond titles, including helping grow prize money and better conditions for players. Ahead of the induction, he enjoyed a sentimental US Open tribute week and a reappraisal of his legacy, while the event also spotlighted his partnerships and the sport’s enduring popularity.

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Pegula Opens US Open, Djokovic Headlines Night Session

World No.3 Jessica Pegula defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 on Arthur Ashe to open the US Open, overcoming notable first-round nerves as she chases her maiden major title, with Djokovic awaiting in the night session. The day also saw top seed Barbora Krejcikova exit early, underscoring the unpredictable start to the tournament as Pegula advances toward a potential second-round meeting with American wildcards Venus Williams or Sofia Kenin.

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Kostyuk advances to US Open second round

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, the 11th seed, beat Australian qualifier Storm Hunter 6-4 6-1 to reach the U.S. Open second round, continuing strong Grand Slam form after deep runs at the French Open and Wimbledon. She now eyes a potential third-round match against Sloane Stephens or Clara Tauson as she pursues her maiden Grand Slam title.

Casper Ruud Withdraws From US Open

Casper Ruud withdrew from the 2026 US Open due to a back injury after ongoing fitness concerns in New York, with his place in the draw filled by lucky loser Arthur Gea who will face Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Ruud, a 2022 US Open finalist, has had a mixed 2026 season with no titles and limited deep runs, including a recent mixed-doubles run at Flushing Meadows.

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Sakamoto beats retiring Nishikori, earns US Open spot

Japan’s Rei Sakamoto defeated Kei Nishikori 6-4, 7-6(3) in the US Open qualifying final to earn a main-draw spot, signaling a changing of the guard as Nishikori—who has said this will be his final season—continues toward retirement. Sakamoto, 20, fired 19 aces and spoke of idolizing Nishikori, whose farewell is framed against the backdrop of the rising Japanese talent.

Wawrinka lands last-minute US Open wildcard

The US Open wildcard process drew heavy criticism after Stan Wawrinka initially missed out, fueling fan backlash as a retiring legend seemed overlooked for younger players; the drama ended when Patrick Kypson withdrew, granting Wawrinka a late wildcard for what will be his final Grand Slam. Wawrinka described the week as a roller-coaster, saying he was sad not to say goodbye to New York but now feels happy and grateful for the last-minute opportunity.

8 sources

Swiatek buoyed by progress after toughest season

Iga Swiatek calls this season the toughest of her career, but recent progress—highlighted by a Canadian Open title and strong showings in recent events—has boosted her confidence heading into the US Open and beyond. She remains committed to sustaining her Grand Slam-winning streak and refining her game with a longer training block.

9 sources

Diversity Expands in Tennis Ahead of US Open

American players Pegula and Tiafoe say tennis is moving in the right direction on diversity, highlighting the sport’s global reach, Black representation, and growth in Asia, alongside milestones like the Cincinnati Open final. They also stress that affordability remains a barrier for underserved youth, with USTA participation data showing shifts in Black, Hispanic and Asian participation.

Muchová, Menšík Win US Open Mixed Doubles

The US Open mixed doubles event showcased top stars like Djokovic-Sabalenka and Alcaraz-Serena Williams, with Siniakova and Patten delivering a surprising first-round upset of Djokovic and Sabalenka as high-stakes, high-profile pairings collide. The tournament’s prize pot of $1 million underscores its prestige as fans anticipate a mix of veteran experience and rising talent in dynamic doubles showdowns.

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Rybakina US Open participation in doubt amid recovery

Rybakina remains in recovery from a Cincinnati leg injury and has not yet confirmed her US Open participation, underscoring a cautious approach before returning. She still has a credible path to world No.1 at the US Open, with the route depending on her results and Sabalenka’s performance, including the possibility of clinching the top spot by advancing to the semifinals.

Cannabis smell reported across US Open grounds

At the US Open, the pervasive cannabis smell from adjacent Corona Park is distracting players, with Britons Katie Boulter and Fran Jones noting it affects focus on the court, including during matches on venues like Court 17. The issue has drawn remarks from other players in the past, and organizers say they cannot control off-site smoking around the grounds.

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Sabalenka Seeks Third Straight US Open Title

Aryna Sabalenka, despite a blistering start to the year, has struggled to go past the fourth round in recent events and is trying to rebound ahead of the US Open, where she seeks a third consecutive title. She attributes the slump to personal challenges and is focusing on mental work to reset and come back stronger.

Williams-Alcaraz to Play US Open Mixed Doubles

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz will form a blockbuster mixed doubles team at the US Open after receiving a wild card, marking Williams’ return to the tournament since 2022. Alcaraz is also set to defend his singles title after a wrist injury, boosting the event’s star power as the lineup grows with other top doubles and singles champions.

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Williams Sisters Secure US Open Doubles Wild Card

Serena and Venus Williams have been awarded wild cards to compete in the US Open doubles, reuniting for what is expected to be a high-profile run at Flushing Meadows. The legendary pair, aged 44 and 46, have claimed the US Open doubles titles twice and already showed they can compete with top talent in recent doubles play, rekindling excitement for a potential deep run this year.

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Andreeva, Rublev Reach US Open Mixed Doubles Semifinals

Andrey Rublev and Mirra Andreeva advanced to the US Open mixed doubles semifinals by beating Errani/Vavassori and then overcoming Shnaider/Ruud, with both players praising each other’s performances. Andreeva revealed a childhood crush on Rublev during interviews, and the duo are set to face Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik in the semis.

Gauff Wins Cincinnati; Pegula Runner-Up

Coco Gauff reached the Cincinnati Open semi-finals for the fifth time this year and is set to face Sara Bejlek, who upset Madison Keys and earlier beat Aryna Sabalenka. Ahead of the 2026 US Open, she underwent a major serve overhaul with biomechanics coaching, reflecting on last year’s mental and technical struggles and noting the significant changes to her game since then.

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Fonseca withdraws from US Open with abdominal injury

Brazilian 20-year-old Joao Fonseca has withdrawn from the US Open due to an abdominal injury, marking another notable absence in the men's singles draw. His withdrawal contributes to a field lacking several top players, including Sinner, Draper, and Rune, potentially opening the tournament for new contenders.