Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Alcaraz, Sabalenka Lead US Open Contenders Into Third Round
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka won their matches at the US Open.
Alcaraz lost the first set but then played much better and won the next three sets.
Sabalenka won quickly and convincingly in less than an hour.
Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev also reached the third round.
Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe won close matches.
Mariano Navone continued his run after beating Novak Djokovic in the previous round.
Brandon Nakashima lost to fellow American Alex Michelsen.
Rain caused delays at some outdoor courts.
The players who won will continue trying to reach the later rounds of the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz overcame a slow start to defeat Portugal’s Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka routed qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in 53 minutes.
Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev also advanced, defeating Sofia Kenin and Sebastian Gorzny respectively.
Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe and Mariano Navone won, while Brandon Nakashima was eliminated by Alex Michelsen.
Rain disrupted play again, delaying matches including Alex de Minaur’s first-round victory over Andrea Guerrieri.
- Who
- Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and other leading players, including Jessica Pegula, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe.
- What
- They advanced through matches at the 2026 US Open, while several other players were eliminated.
- When
- Wednesday during the 2026 US Open.
- Where
- The US Open in New York, including Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums.
- Why
- The players were competing to advance to the third round and ultimately contend for the tournament title.
- Alcaraz result
- Defeated Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.
- Sabalenka result
- Defeated Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in 53 minutes.
- Pegula result
- Defeated Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1 in 56 minutes.
- Medvedev result
- Defeated Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.
- Major upset
- Alex Michelsen defeated 16th-seeded Brandon Nakashima in straight sets.
- Weather disruption
- Rain delayed play, including Alex de Minaur’s first-round match.