US Open 2026 Day 2: Alcaraz and Sabalenka launch title defences in style

 

The second day of the 2026 US Open at Flushing Meadows delivered a compelling blend of commanding victories, dramatic comebacks, emotional farewells and major upsets. After the seismic first-day exit of Novak Djokovic, the spotlight shifted to the defending champions—and both Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka responded with impressive authority. 

Alcaraz makes triumphant return

The biggest positive story of the day was Carlos Alcaraz, who began his US Open title defence with a convincing 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Roman Safiullin.

Returning to Grand Slam competition after a four-month absence caused by a right-wrist problem, the second-seeded Spaniard admitted to feeling nervous before walking onto Arthur Ashe Stadium. Those nerves quickly disappeared as he produced his trademark explosive forehands, athletic court coverage and aggressive baseline tennis.

Alcaraz never allowed Safiullin to establish sustained pressure, closing out a straight-sets victory that was particularly significant because his body came through the test comfortably. The Spaniard said afterwards that he was delighted to finish the match feeling physically well. 

His reward is a second-round meeting with Portugal's Jaime Faria.

Sabalenka begins title defence impressively

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also made a powerful start to her campaign, defeating Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Belarusian, chasing a third consecutive US Open women's singles crown, combined her ferocious serve with heavy groundstrokes to seize control early. Although Osorio mounted greater resistance in the second set, Sabalenka remained composed and completed a straight-sets victory. 

The result strengthened Sabalenka's status as one of the tournament's principal favourites and kept her quest for an extraordinary three-peat firmly on course.

Tsitsipas produces one of the day's biggest upsets

One of the most eye-catching men's results came from Stefanos Tsitsipas, who eliminated 10th seed and recent Cincinnati champion Arthur Fils in four sets.

After surrendering the opening set 4-6, Tsitsipas dramatically raised his level. He captured the second-set tiebreak 7-3, then surged through the third 6-1 before closing the contest 6-4 in the fourth. 

It was a gritty and significant victory for the Greek, who demonstrated impressive resilience against one of the tournament's younger rising stars.

Shelton survives a stern test

American eighth seed Ben Shelton survived an uncomfortable opening against Tallon Griekspoor.

The Dutchman stunned the home favourite by taking the first set 6-1, but Shelton responded emphatically. He levelled the contest with a 6-1 second set, edged a tense third-set tiebreak 7-3, and then closed out the match 6-2 in the fourth. 

Shelton's recovery was particularly pleasing for the partisan New York crowd and kept alive American hopes of ending the long wait for a home men's singles champion.

Rublev stages a remarkable comeback

Andrey Rublev, seeded 23rd, was forced into an extraordinary battle against lucky loser Otto Virtanen.

Virtanen appeared on the brink of a stunning upset after winning the first two sets, both in tiebreaks. Rublev, however, refused to surrender. He swept the third and fourth sets 6-0, 6-2, before finally edging the deciding-set tiebreak 10-5.

The five-set epic showcased Rublev's fighting spirit and ensured another seeded player survived a potentially disastrous opening-round encounter. 

Wawrinka's emotional farewell

One of the day's most poignant moments came on the Grandstand, where Matteo Berrettini defeated 2016 US Open champion Stan Wawrinka 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0.

The 41-year-old Swiss received a warm reception as he played what was his final Grand Slam singles match. Wawrinka, a three-time major champion, had initially been left outside the singles field before receiving a wildcard following a late withdrawal and public support for his inclusion.

Berrettini's victory was clinically achieved, but the occasion belonged emotionally to Wawrinka, whose remarkable two-decade Grand Slam career reached its final chapter at the venue where he captured one of his three major titles. 

Anisimova celebrates birthday in style

American Amanda Anisimova enjoyed a particularly memorable 25th birthday, defeating compatriot Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 6-3.

The 10th seed, last year's US Open runner-up, weathered three early break points before taking command. She needed only 72 minutes to complete an authoritative victory and move into the second round. 

Strong American showing

The home challenge produced several encouraging results. Brandon Nakashima dismantled Sebastian Baez 6-2, 6-1, 6-0, dropping just three games and striking 34 winners in a remarkably efficient performance. Fourteenth seed Learner Tien also advanced comfortably, beating Nuno Borges 6-4, 6-1, 6-2. 

Frances Tiafoe also survived a demanding five-set encounter with Martin Damm, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. 

Naomi Osaka , Muchova & Swiatek progress

Former champion Naomi Osaka negotiated a tense opening-round contest against Anastasia Zakharova, while Iga Swiatek also advanced in straight sets against Wang Xiyu. Their progress added further star power to an already intriguing women's draw. Wimbledon runners Karolina Muchova sailed smoothly with a 6-3 , 6-0 win in 1st round  

Day 2 verdict

Day 2 restored some order after Djokovic's astonishing first-round departure. Alcaraz and Sabalenka looked every inch defending champions, while Tsitsipas, Shelton and Rublev demonstrated the resilience required to survive the treacherous opening round.

Yet the emotional farewell of Wawrinka and the dramatic five-set battles ensured that the second day was far more than a procession of seeded victories. With the world's leading contenders now beginning to find their rhythm, the 2026 US Open is rapidly shaping into a fascinating, unpredictable and fiercely competitive fortnight.