The initial round of the US Open kicks off on Sunday, August 30, and runs until Tuesday, September 1. Here’s a look at some intriguing matches to watch:
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Roman Safiullin
Men’s tennis has a shining young star back in action. Carlos Alcaraz, after claiming his seventh major title at the Australian Open in January, faced a setback with a wrist injury in April, which kept him off the court for two grand slam tournaments. The French Open and Wimbledon felt different without his remarkable flair. On the other hand, Roman Safiullin, ranked 135th, once reached No. 36 but has struggled to make a significant mark at major tournaments, getting only as far as the second round in New York. This match is unmissable—not just because of who Alcaraz is facing, but because watching him play in a grand slam is a rare treat. It’s been seven long months since we’ve enjoyed that.
Arthur Fils vs. Stefano Tsitsipas
Arthur Fils is someone many fans of the ATP tour have been watching for a while, but he hasn’t quite had his breakout moment at a major yet. Injuries have sidelined him frequently, but he’s proven himself in Master’s tournaments this year, reaching the quarterfinals at Indian Wells, the semifinals in Miami and Madrid, and most recently winning the Cincinnati Open. At that tournament, he showcased serving and forehand power that was hard for anyone to match. If he maintains that level, he could become quite well-known. His opponent, Tsitsipas, was once in a similar position but has seen a decline recently, even going so far as to part ways with his father, who was also his coach. He’ll be looking to turn the tables on Fils right out of the gate.
Rafael Jodar vs. Thanasi Tokkinakis
Fils is part of a newer wave of players looking to shake up the dominance established by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Among others, Rafael Jodar, affectionately called Rafa, is making strides quicker than many realize. The 19-year-old has had an impressive 2026 and seems poised to create a buzz in New York, facing a Kokkinakis who’s been out of serious contention for a while. This match offers a chance to see a promising new star up close.
Taylor Townsend vs. Maja Chwalinska
Taylor Townsend delivered some memorable moments during the 2025 US Open, particularly known for her dramatic second-round match against Jelena Ostapenko, where she notably declined to apologize for a close winning shot. It stirred quite a reaction and highlighted underlying tensions. Nevertheless, Townsend’s bold play at the net and her captivating energy endeared her to crowds and propelled her to the Round of 16. This time, she faces Maja Chwalinska, a player who recently gained attention with a remarkable journey to the final at Roland-Garros. Chwalinska’s tenacity and clever shots make for an exciting matchup between two fierce competitors.
Coco Gauff vs. Zeynep Sonmez
Like Fils, Coco Gauff enters the tournament brimming with confidence, having just clinched a victory in Ohio. After a challenging 2025, she’s reached a point of refinement in her game, emerging more precise and assured. Even at Wimbledon, her toughest surface, she surged to the semifinals with a more aggressive approach. Returning to hard courts, she dominated in Cincinnati, winning nearly all her matches in straight sets. While Sonmez might present a challenge, this match largely revolves around Gauff, as she aims for her first US Open title since 2023, now as a strong favorite.
