NEW YORK — Following another unpredictable opening at a major tournament, the 2026 US Open has entered its second week with significant developments.
The tournament has witnessed numerous upsets, with six of the top-10 seeded men’s players already eliminated, alongside several near-misses for contenders in both singles draws. The fortnight has also featured social media controversies, challenging playing conditions, and a memorable but brief appearance by Venus and Serena Williams.
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However, one notable development that has received relatively modest attention is the collective performance of American players at their home Grand Slam. A total of 15 American singles competitors—eight women and seven men—have advanced to the third round, marking the highest such figure since 2002, with ten players now through to the round of 16. This also represents the most American men (five) to reach the fourth round since 1995, predating the birth of any current male player.
While Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, and Taylor Fritz have all reached finals since, Coco Gauff was the last American to claim the singles title at the US Open in 2023. Additionally, no American man has won a major singles title in New York—or at any other Grand Slam—since Andy Roddick’s victory in 2003.
With numerous talented players still in contention, could this be the year Americans sweep both singles titles? Serena Williams and Pete Sampras were the last to accomplish this feat jointly in 2002, and the possibility of achieving it again feels closer than at any point since then.
Below is a look at the American players remaining in the draw and how they advanced to this stage.
Women
No. 3 Jessica Pegula
Opponents defeated: Elena-Gabriela Ruse, Sofia Kenin, No. 31 Leylah Fernandez
Next match: No. 16 Sorana Cirstea
Previous best US Open result: Final (2024)
Few players arrived in New York with as much momentum as Pegula, the top-ranked American. The 32-year-old reached finals in Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati, securing notable victories over Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova during that stretch. Pegula’s strong form continued through her first two US Open matches, dropping just nine games combined, before facing early difficulties against Fernandez, the 2021 US Open runner-up, on Friday.
After losing the opening set decisively 6-1—what she described as a “lazy start”—Pegula elevated her play and exploited a series of errors from Fernandez to secure her first break of the match and take the lead. Although Fernandez continued to compete fiercely, Pegula maintained control for the remainder of the contest.
Pegula, who reached the Australian Open semifinals earlier this year, will next face the retiring Sorana Cirstea in what could be the final Grand Slam match of her career. Pegula has won three of their four previous encounters, including in the Cincinnati round of 16 last month. Beyond seeking her 11th major quarterfinal appearance and keeping her dream of a first Grand Slam title alive, Pegula remains in contention for the world No. 1 ranking and can achieve it by winning the tournament next week.
No. 4 Coco Gauff
Opponents defeated: Zeynep Sonmez, Paula Badosa, Cristina Bucsa
Next match: No. 14 Iva Jovic
Previous best US Open result: Champion (2023)
Following a difficult 2025 tournament appearance while working to rebuild her serve, the 22-year-old Gauff arrived in New York with renewed determination.
After reaching a career-best semifinal at Wimbledon in July, Gauff captured her first title of 2026 at the Cincinnati Open. Boosted by confidence, Gauff faced a stern test against former world No. 2 Paula Badosa—who had beaten her in their previous two encounters—in the second round but managed to prevail in crucial moments, ultimately winning in a second-set tiebreak.
Now competing in the US Open round of 16 for the fifth time in her career and seeking her 12th Grand Slam quarterfinal, Gauff will face her toughest challenge of the tournament yet against 18-year-old fellow American Iva Jovic (detailed below) on Monday. They have met only once before, with Gauff winning in three sets at the Italian Open in May.
Similar to Pegula, much is at stake for Gauff. A victory next week to claim her third major singles title would also give her an opportunity to attain the world No. 1 ranking for the first time. Though she acknowledged one achievement might hold greater personal significance at this stage.
“It would be cool to be No. 1, but it’s not something I have thought about, to be honest,” Gauff told reporters earlier this week. “… If it happens, great. If not, no. I think I’m just more focused on winning Slams because in the day, that’s what people talk about more in your career than necessarily hitting the No. 1 ranking. Obviously, if you win Slams, the ranking will come.”
No. 14 Iva Jovic
Opponents defeated: Magdalena Frech, Francesca Jones, No. 17 Alexandra Eala
Next match: No. 4 Coco Gauff
Previous best US Open result: Second round (2024, 2025); Junior semifinals (2024)
The ascent of 18-year-old Iva Jovic since the 2025 US Open has been remarkable. She claimed her first WTA title at the Guadalajara Open (500-level) shortly afterward, began 2026 by reaching the final in Hobart and her first major quarterfinal at the Australian Open, and has since broken into the top 20, continuing to climb to her current career-high ranking of No. 14.
Did we mention she’s just 18?
After advancing comfortably into the third round at the US Open, Jovic officially announced herself on the global stage Saturday night with a composed, clutch performance against Alexandra Eala. Competing before a largely pro-Eala crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium—marking her debut on the storied court—Jovic remained steady in a high-quality, hard-hitting encounter between two longtime friends and future stars.
After over three hours, Jovic secured a 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 victory and promptly fell to the court in a mix of celebration, relief, and exhaustion. She later described it as “definitely one of the matches of the year, I think.”
Jovic must quickly refocus for Monday’s match against Gauff. As just the fourth American woman aged 18 or under since 2000 (and first since Gauff) to reach this stage, Jovic admitted she hadn’t had much time to contemplate the matchup following her victory over Eala. However, she indicated she would prepare on Sunday and seemed encouraged by her third-round performance.
“I mean, this is what you want, you know. Week 2 in the slams, you’re playing one of the best players in the world,” Jovic said. “Obviously, she’s playing quite well right now.
“But last time I played her, it was a little bit of a heartbreaker, and I had a lot of chances. Hopefully, I can learn from that, and I think if I replicate this level, I’m definitely going to have my chances in that one.”
1:30
Iva Jovic vs. Alexandra Eala: Match Highlights
No. 26 Emma Navarro
Opponents defeated: Lois Boisson, Caty McNally, No. 7 Karolina Muchova
Next match: No. 21 Anna Kalinskaya
Previous best US Open result: Semifinals (2024)
Two years ago, following her breakthrough season, Navarro achieved her best Grand Slam result with a semifinal run in New York. Although she has won two 500-level WTA titles since, her major tournament results have been inconsistent, and she experienced difficulties earlier this year, including a first-round exit at the Australian Open.
US Open Women’s Championship Odds
She posted a 2-3 record in hard-court events this summer and wasn’t considered among the favorites entering the 2026 US Open. However, that’s the nature of tennis—previous results become irrelevant, and one or two exceptional weeks can transform everything. The 25-year-old Navarro needed to dig deep in her first two matches, requiring a deciding set in each, but on Friday against No. 7 seed Muchova—the 2026 Wimbledon runner-up and newly crowned US Open mixed doubles champion—Navarro demonstrated she was officially back in form with a commanding 6-3, 7-5 victory.
Navarro now has an opportunity to return to the quarterfinals when she faces Anna Kalinskaya on Sunday. She has lost both previous encounters against Kalinskaya, including earlier this season in Doha, but with her resurgent form and the anticipated crowd support at Ashe, Navarro may well be the favorite to advance.
Taylor Townsend
Opponents defeated: No. 20 Maja Chwalinska, Taylah Preston, No. 15 Diana Shnaider
Next match: No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka
Previous best US Open result: Fourth round (2019, 2025); Doubles final (2022, 2025) and mixed doubles final (2024)
The current world No. 2 in doubles (and No. 96 in singles), Townsend is no stranger to significant moments at Grand Slams and the US Open. Beyond her three Grand Slam doubles titles and two US Open doubles final appearances, Townsend defeated No. 4 seed Simona Halep on Ashe in the 2019 tournament’s second round and upset No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva last year.
A crowd favorite who performs exceptionally under pressure, the 30-year-old Townsend defeated 2026 French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round and then allowed Taylah Preston to win just two games in their second-round match. Townsend was pushed to a deciding set against Diana Shnaider, who reached the Roland Garros semifinals in June, but dominated the final set for a 6-2, 6-7 (3), 6-3 victory.
With Friday’s victory, Townsend set up a fourth-round match against Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and two-time defending champion. The two have never faced each other, but Townsend appeared far from intimidated following her match.
“I am f—ing pumped,” Townsend told the crowd during her postmatch interview. “I’m so excited. I feel like I thrive in these moments … I’m built for these moments, and so now is my time. I’m ready to take it. I’m ready to go.”
(Sabalenka seemed equally enthusiastic about the matchup, telling reporters she anticipated a “great battle” and praised Townsend’s versatility and ability to “really make you think during the game.”)
Men
No. 8 Ben Shelton
Opponents defeated: Tallon Griekspoor, Hubert Hurkacz, Denis Shapovalov
Next match: Stefanos Tsitsipas
Previous best US Open result: Semifinals (2023)
Perhaps no other American male player generated more excitement and expectations than the 23-year-old Shelton. After securing his second consecutive Canadian Open title last month—including victories over numerous rising young stars—Shelton became a popular choice to end the American drought.
However, his path to the second week hasn’t been straightforward. He lost his opening set 6-1 and needed to mount a comeback. Against seasoned opponents Hubert Hurkacz and Denis Shapovalov in subsequent rounds, Shelton had to continue elevating his game and relying on his powerful serve to advance through multiple tiebreaks.
He will need to replicate that effort on Sunday against Stefanos Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam finalist who has rediscovered his form in New York this week. Tsitsipas has reached the fourth round at a major for the first time in over two years and will look to continue his giant-killing run after defeating No. 10 seed Arthur Fils—fresh from his Cincinnati title—and No. 18 seed Jiri Lehecka on Friday. Tsitsipas beat Shelton in their only previous meeting at the 2023 Cincinnati Open during Shelton’s rookie season. Much has changed for both players since, but Shelton expressed enthusiasm for another opportunity and a chance to reach his sixth Grand Slam quarterfinal.
“I think he’s playing great,” Shelton said of Tsitsipas. “I think that his style of tennis can be very, very effective on all surfaces, all-court game, great athlete. … Really looking forward to it.”
No. 11 Frances Tiafoe
Opponents defeated: Martin Damm Jr., Rei Sakamoto, No. 22 Valentin Vacherot
Next match: No. 7 Daniil Medvedev
Previous best US Open result: Semifinals (2022, 2024)
Perhaps the most popular among American male players, the 28-year-old Tiafoe has reached the semifinals twice in New York, and there may be no one more eager to win this title.
Following a disappointing third-round exit in 2025—his earliest loss since 2019—Tiafoe arrived at the tournament in excellent form. Just last month, he reached the biggest final of his career at the Cincinnati Open, securing impressive victories over Learner Tien, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Lorenzo Musetti, and Brandon Nakashima. Tiafoe was tested by wild card Martin Damm Jr. in his opener but hasn’t dropped a set since. He described his 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Valentin Vacherot on Friday as “the best” he has played this week.
Playing every match on Armstrong—a venue Tiafoe appreciates for its lack of suites—he has attracted high-profile celebrities including Ben Stiller and Lisa Leslie to the smaller stadium. Tiafoe will next face 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev on—where else?—Armstrong in a marquee matchup on Sunday.
Tiafoe has historically struggled against Medvedev, losing all six of their tour-level encounters, including at Brisbane earlier this season. (Tiafoe did, however, defeat Medvedev at the 2024 Laver Cup and during a qualifying round in 2015.) But Medvedev is far from his peak form currently, winning just one match in three hard-court events this summer before the US Open, and if there ever was a time and place for Tiafoe to secure this victory, it must be Sunday.
No. 14 Learner Tien
Opponents defeated: Nuno Borges, Gael Monfils, No. 17 Jakub Mensik
Next match: Karen Khachanov
Previous best US Open result: First round (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025); Junior finals (2023)
One of the United States’ most promising young talents, the 20-year-old began the year with a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open before capturing his second ATP title in Geneva in May. Tien then confirmed his early-season success was no fluke with a semifinal run at the Canadian Open in August, despite a minor arm injury. He described his time in Montreal as a “great building week” that allowed him to discover ways to win even when not playing his best.
“To get through that week and get some matches under my belt, I think it was great,” Tien said.
A 2023 US Open junior finalist, Tien had never won a main draw match at this event before the 2026 tournament. But watching him this week, one would never guess it. He has yet to drop a set. On Thursday against Gael Monfils—the beloved Frenchman competing in his final major before retirement—Tien remained unfazed by the emotions and atmosphere, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. On Saturday, he faced No. 17 seed Jakub Mensik in a tense late-night battle and rallied after falling behind two sets to one.
Tien will oppose unseeded but experienced Karen Khachanov—a 2022 US Open semifinalist—for the first time in the round of 16 on Monday.
1:39
Jakub Mensik vs. Learner Tien: Match Highlights
No. 20 Tommy Paul
Opponents defeated: Coleman Wong, Dino Prizmic, No. 15 Alexander Bublik
Next match: No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz
Previous best US Open result: Fourth round (2023, 2024)
A 2023 Australian Open semifinalist and three-time ATP champion on hard courts, the 29-year-old Paul has been considered a leading contender among American men at the home Grand Slam for several seasons. Despite his credentials and popularity with fans, the US Open remains the only major where Paul hasn’t reached the quarterfinals.
Following his first two tournaments on the surface this summer in Washington, D.C. and Montreal, it appeared unlikely he would change that anytime soon, with just one victory across both events. However, things improved in Cincinnati with a quarterfinal run that included defeating top seed Alexander Zverev. Paul has continued building on that momentum in New York with three hard-fought victories, including a five-set marathon against Alexander Bublik, who had beaten him in the same round last year.
US Open Men’s Championship Odds
That revenge victory set up another rematch, this time against Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion. Alcaraz, competing in his first tournament after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury, has won six of their eight meetings, including the past five. However, Paul recorded one of his career’s biggest wins with a three-set victory over Alcaraz at the 2023 Canadian Open and knows he can do it again with everything aligning.
“I mean, I’m going to have to play some pretty good tennis if I want to win that match, but I’m going to do my best,” Paul said Friday. “Hopefully, I can.”
He jokingly added that he hoped at least some fans in Ashe on Saturday would support him. “Obviously, the crowd at every tournament loves Carlos, but you know, I am American, so hopefully, they can get behind me a little bit,” he said with a smile.
Alex Michelsen
Opponents defeated: Federico Cina, No. 16 Brandon Nakashima, Daniel Merida Aguilar
Next match: No. 27 Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Previous best US Open result: Second round (2023, 2024)
At just 22, Michelsen made a name for himself at the 2025 Australian Open with a surprising fourth-round run. Since then, he has won just two major matches—both during a third-round appearance at Roland Garros this year—but appears to have rediscovered the form he showed in Melbourne at the perfect moment.
With a quarterfinal showing in Washington, D.C. in July and now ranked No. 46, Michelsen hasn’t dropped a set through three matches in New York. In the second round, he achieved a stunning straight-sets upset over the in-form Nakashima, who had reached the Canadian Open final and Cincinnati semifinals.
Michelsen stands one victory from reaching the first Grand Slam quarterfinal of his career, with only Tomas Martín Etcheverry standing in his way. They have never faced each other, but Michelsen appears more than capable of meeting the challenge.