The 2026 US Open is underway, with Round 1 matches heating up as of September 1. Fans can catch exciting matchups featuring top players like Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz.
Why it matters: The US Open is one of tennis's four Grand Slam tournaments, drawing global attention. This year's event showcases a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, making every match thrilling.
The tournament is being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.
In 2026, the US Open runs from August 30 to September 13, featuring various singles and doubles competitions.
This year marks the second-oldest Grand Slam event, first contested in 1881.
Driving the news: As of September 1, 2026, the tournament has entered Day 3, with several key matches scheduled. Notably, Coco Gauff is set to face Zeynep Sönmez, and Taylor Fritz will take on Darwin Blanch.
Both Gauff and Fritz are among the top American players competing for the title this year.
Gauff's match against Sönmez is generating buzz due to the Turkish player's rising profile in women's tennis.
Fritz, currently ranked in the top tier, aims to make a deep run in the tournament.
State of play: The men's singles draw has been shaken up after World No. 1 Jannik Sinner exited the tournament due to a knee injury. This unexpected turn has opened the field for other competitors.
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, ranked second and third respectively, are now among the favorites to advance.
Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz are also competing in their first matches of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic made headlines with his first-ever first-round exit at the US Open, marking a historic upset.
The big picture: The US Open is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and high-stakes matches. This year's competition is particularly notable due to the mix of established players and newcomers.
Coco Gauff is seen as a strong contender for the women's title, having already made a name for herself on the international stage.
With 17 former Grand Slam champions participating, the stakes are higher than ever.
The event's hard court surface at Flushing Meadows is known for favoring powerful baseline players.
What they're saying: Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the potential outcomes as the tournament progresses.
“The men's draw is wide open now that Sinner is out,” said a tennis analyst. “It creates an exciting opportunity for other players.”
Many are eager to see how Gauff performs against Sönmez, with expectations high for her to advance.
“This year’s US Open is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory,” noted a sports commentator.
By the numbers: The US Open features a staggering array of matches and competitors this year.
28 American players are in the main draw, leading all nations in representation.
17 former Grand Slam singles champions are participating, including 10 former US Open winners.
Matches are scheduled throughout the day, with key matchups starting as early as 11 a.m. ET.
What's next: As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and potential upsets.
Upcoming matches include Gauff vs. Sönmez and Fritz vs. Blanch, both scheduled for September 1.
Viewers can access the tournament through various streaming services, including ESPN and its app, or via free trials from platforms like DirecTV and FuboTV.
For those outside the U.S., 9Now will stream the US Open for free in Australia, accessible via VPN services like ExpressVPN.