Developing storyline

2026 US Open build-up: form and withdrawals ahead of New York

Top players navigate the run-up to and through the 2026 US Open, with Coco Gauff overhauling her serve, Joao Fonseca and Casper Ruud withdrawing with injury, Aryna Sabalenka seeking a third straight title, late wildcard drama, a mixed doubles storyline, Djokovic's shocking first…

19 stories795 sourcesUpdated Aug 31, 2026

In this storyline:Serena Williams Venus Williams João Fonseca 2026 US Open Halyna Andreyeva Andrey Rublev Jack Draper Coco Gauff

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total articles across this storyline · last 72h

Key developments

Aug 30, 2026
Japan's Rei Sakamoto beats retiring Kei Nishikori in the US Open qualifying final to earn a main-draw spot, in an emotional changing-of-the-guard moment.
5 sources on this →
Aug 30, 2026
Stan Wawrinka receives a last-minute US Open wildcard after Patrick Kypson withdraws, setting up what could be his final Grand Slam appearance.
8 sources on this →
Aug 30, 2026
Casper Ruud withdraws from the 2026 US Open with a back injury, with lucky loser Arthur Gea taking his place in the draw against Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
8 sources on this →
Aug 30, 2026
Roger Federer is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport after a sentimental US Open tribute week honoring his legacy.

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Stories in this storyline

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Sports

Djokovic Falls to Navone in US Open Round One

Novak Djokovic faces a challenging 2026 US Open draw with a first-round test against Mariano Navone and a potential second-round clash with either Matteo Berrettini or Stan Wawrinka, all while looming quarterfinals could pit him against Daniil Medvedev or a rematch with Carlos Alcaraz as he pursues a 25th major. With Jannik Sinner sidelined and Alcaraz still regaining form, Djokovicis positioned to seize a rare window for title success, even as the field features tough early matchups like Arthur Fery against Zverev and Stan Wawrinka’s rematch with Berrettini entering round two against Djokovic.

164 sources

Photo: Tatiana from Moscow, Russia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Sports

Federer Inducted Into International Tennis Hall of Fame

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109 sources on this →

Aug 30, 2026

Jessica Pegula opens the US Open with a win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Arthur Ashe as Djokovic headlines the night session and top seed Barbora Krejcikova exits early.

18 sources on this →

Aug 30, 2026

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk beats qualifier Storm Hunter to reach the US Open second round, continuing her strong Grand Slam form after deep runs at the French Open and Wimbledon.

6 sources on this →

Aug 31, 2026

Novak Djokovic suffers a historic first-round US Open exit, battling illness and fatigue before losing in five sets to Mariano Navone.

41 sources on this →

Aug 31, 2026

With Djokovic out and Jannik Sinner sidelined, the draw opens up as Carlos Alcaraz eyes a return to form and Stan Wawrinka readies for a second-round meeting with Matteo Berrettini.

164 sources on this →

Roger Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, reflecting on his career and his broader impact on the sport beyond titles, including helping grow prize money and better conditions for players. Ahead of the induction, he enjoyed a sentimental US Open tribute week and a reappraisal of his legacy, while the event also spotlighted his partnerships and the sport’s enduring popularity.

109 sources

Sports

Navone Upends Djokovic in US Open Opener

Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th major collapsed with a historic first-round exit at the US Open, as he battled illness, vomiting and extreme fatigue before losing in five to Mariano Navone, with tears on court and his family watching in New York. The marathon match underscored Djokovic’s fragile health and Navone’s upset victory in what was his longest first-round major match in the Open era.

41 sources

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Sports

Pegula Opens US Open, Djokovic Headlines Night Session

World No.3 Jessica Pegula defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 on Arthur Ashe to open the US Open, overcoming notable first-round nerves as she chases her maiden major title, with Djokovic awaiting in the night session. The day also saw top seed Barbora Krejcikova exit early, underscoring the unpredictable start to the tournament as Pegula advances toward a potential second-round meeting with American wildcards Venus Williams or Sofia Kenin.

18 sources

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Sports

Kostyuk advances to US Open second round

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, the 11th seed, beat Australian qualifier Storm Hunter 6-4 6-1 to reach the U.S. Open second round, continuing strong Grand Slam form after deep runs at the French Open and Wimbledon. She now eyes a potential third-round match against Sloane Stephens or Clara Tauson as she pursues her maiden Grand Slam title.

6 sources

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Sports

Casper Ruud Withdraws From US Open

Casper Ruud withdrew from the 2026 US Open due to a back injury after ongoing fitness concerns in New York, with his place in the draw filled by lucky loser Arthur Gea who will face Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Ruud, a 2022 US Open finalist, has had a mixed 2026 season with no titles and limited deep runs, including a recent mixed-doubles run at Flushing Meadows.

8 sources

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Sports

Sakamoto beats retiring Nishikori, earns US Open spot

Japan’s Rei Sakamoto defeated Kei Nishikori 6-4, 7-6(3) in the US Open qualifying final to earn a main-draw spot, signaling a changing of the guard as Nishikori—who has said this will be his final season—continues toward retirement. Sakamoto, 20, fired 19 aces and spoke of idolizing Nishikori, whose farewell is framed against the backdrop of the rising Japanese talent.

5 sources

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Sports

Wawrinka lands last-minute US Open wildcard

The US Open wildcard process drew heavy criticism after Stan Wawrinka initially missed out, fueling fan backlash as a retiring legend seemed overlooked for younger players; the drama ended when Patrick Kypson withdrew, granting Wawrinka a late wildcard for what will be his final Grand Slam. Wawrinka described the week as a roller-coaster, saying he was sad not to say goodbye to New York but now feels happy and grateful for the last-minute opportunity.

8 sources

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Sports

Swiatek buoyed by progress after toughest season

Iga Swiatek calls this season the toughest of her career, but recent progress—highlighted by a Canadian Open title and strong showings in recent events—has boosted her confidence heading into the US Open and beyond. She remains committed to sustaining her Grand Slam-winning streak and refining her game with a longer training block.

9 sources

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Sports

Diversity Expands in Tennis Ahead of US Open

American players Pegula and Tiafoe say tennis is moving in the right direction on diversity, highlighting the sport’s global reach, Black representation, and growth in Asia, alongside milestones like the Cincinnati Open final. They also stress that affordability remains a barrier for underserved youth, with USTA participation data showing shifts in Black, Hispanic and Asian participation.

7 sources

Sports

Muchová, Menšík Win US Open Mixed Doubles

The US Open mixed doubles event showcased top stars like Djokovic-Sabalenka and Alcaraz-Serena Williams, with Siniakova and Patten delivering a surprising first-round upset of Djokovic and Sabalenka as high-stakes, high-profile pairings collide. The tournament’s prize pot of $1 million underscores its prestige as fans anticipate a mix of veteran experience and rising talent in dynamic doubles showdowns.

140 sources

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Sports

Rybakina US Open participation in doubt amid recovery

Rybakina remains in recovery from a Cincinnati leg injury and has not yet confirmed her US Open participation, underscoring a cautious approach before returning. She still has a credible path to world No.1 at the US Open, with the route depending on her results and Sabalenka’s performance, including the possibility of clinching the top spot by advancing to the semifinals.

7 sources

Sports

Cannabis smell reported across US Open grounds

At the US Open, the pervasive cannabis smell from adjacent Corona Park is distracting players, with Britons Katie Boulter and Fran Jones noting it affects focus on the court, including during matches on venues like Court 17. The issue has drawn remarks from other players in the past, and organizers say they cannot control off-site smoking around the grounds.

9 sources

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Sports

Sabalenka Seeks Third Straight US Open Title

Aryna Sabalenka, despite a blistering start to the year, has struggled to go past the fourth round in recent events and is trying to rebound ahead of the US Open, where she seeks a third consecutive title. She attributes the slump to personal challenges and is focusing on mental work to reset and come back stronger.

5 sources

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Sports

Williams-Alcaraz to Play US Open Mixed Doubles

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz will form a blockbuster mixed doubles team at the US Open after receiving a wild card, marking Williams’ return to the tournament since 2022. Alcaraz is also set to defend his singles title after a wrist injury, boosting the event’s star power as the lineup grows with other top doubles and singles champions.

158 sources

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Sports

Williams Sisters Secure US Open Doubles Wild Card

Serena and Venus Williams have been awarded wild cards to compete in the US Open doubles, reuniting for what is expected to be a high-profile run at Flushing Meadows. The legendary pair, aged 44 and 46, have claimed the US Open doubles titles twice and already showed they can compete with top talent in recent doubles play, rekindling excitement for a potential deep run this year.

12 sources

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Sports

Andreeva, Rublev Reach US Open Mixed Doubles Semifinals

Andrey Rublev and Mirra Andreeva advanced to the US Open mixed doubles semifinals by beating Errani/Vavassori and then overcoming Shnaider/Ruud, with both players praising each other’s performances. Andreeva revealed a childhood crush on Rublev during interviews, and the duo are set to face Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik in the semis.

7 sources

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Sports

Gauff Wins Cincinnati; Pegula Runner-Up

Coco Gauff reached the Cincinnati Open semi-finals for the fifth time this year and is set to face Sara Bejlek, who upset Madison Keys and earlier beat Aryna Sabalenka. Ahead of the 2026 US Open, she underwent a major serve overhaul with biomechanics coaching, reflecting on last year’s mental and technical struggles and noting the significant changes to her game since then.

107 sources

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Sports

Fonseca withdraws from US Open with abdominal injury

Brazilian 20-year-old Joao Fonseca has withdrawn from the US Open due to an abdominal injury, marking another notable absence in the men's singles draw. His withdrawal contributes to a field lacking several top players, including Sinner, Draper, and Rune, potentially opening the tournament for new contenders.

7 sources