US Open 2026: Top five first-round matches to watch out for
The first-round matches of the 2026 US Open will begin from August 30
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The US Open has a history of delivering top-quality battles right from the opening round. This is also the Slam which witnesses a high rate of shocking upsets from the get-go, making the first few days extremely exciting.
The 2026 Championships will once again feature several highly anticipated first-round clashes involving top-ranked players, emerging talents, and former champions whose rankings no longer reflect their true ability.
On that note, let’s take a look at the five best first-round matches to watch out for at US Open 2026, from August 30 to September 1.
5. Ben Shelton vs Tallon Griekspoor
The ATP field opened up once Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament, and one player who now has an excellent shot at a maiden Major title is Ben Shelton. After being forced to withdraw mid-match last year due to an injury, the American will feel the need to amend things at this edition of the US Open. He arrives on the back of a triumph in Canada and an opening-round loss in Cincinnati.
However, his opening round could be tricky as he prepares to take on the 6’2″ Tallon Griekspoor. The Dutch player is marking a return from injury but has the ability to produce massive upsets. Only a few weeks back, he beat top seed Alexander Zverev in Montreal.
This will also be the first-ever meeting between Shelton and Griekspoor. As one of the dark horses for the title, Shelton will have to be at his absolute best to keep his campaign alive.
Prediction: Ben Shelton to win in five sets
4. Daria Kasatkina vs Paula Badosa
Daria Kasatkina and Paula Badosa bring contrasting styles into their US Open round one meeting. Badosa has not played during the North American hard-court swing, making match sharpness a concern, while Kasatkina comes in with better recent form. Their hard-court meetings have been closely contested, though, and Badosa has shown she can trouble Kasatkina on the surface.
Prediction: Daria Kasatkina to win in three sets
3. Arthur Fils vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
A blockbuster match awaits in the first round as recently crowned Cincinnati Open champion Arthur Fils opens his US Open 2026 campaign against Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Frenchman is one of the strongest title contenders currently and arrives in red-hot form.
The Greek, however, has completely lost his form and rhythm. Such has been his decline that he currently finds himself outside the top-50 ATP rankings. While this appears to be a big-name duel on paper, the contest is expected to end in a one-sided fashion, in favour of Arthur Fils.
Prediction: Arthur Fils to win in straight sets
2. Matteo Berrettini vs Stan Wawrinka
After their incredible showdown at Wimbledon, Matteo Berrettini and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka are set to meet once again. Their battle at SW19 ended in five sets and was arguably the best match of the tournament.
Wawrinka has struggled for form since, and his entry into the 2026 US Open has been controversial, as he was initially denied a wildcard. The Italian has had his share of struggles too since Wimbledon. With both players looking to deliver a statement result in Flushing Meadows, expect this contest to be another epic battle between two incredibly gifted players.
Prediction: Matteo Berrettini to win in four sets
1. Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin
Carlos Alcaraz returns to Grand Slam action against Roman Safiullin in the first round of the US Open 2026, having not played competitively since the Barcelona Open in April due to a wrist injury. The defending champion will be the clear favourite, but the Russian has already beaten Alcaraz once, leaving the 7-time Grand Slam winner with little room for complacency.
In Alcaraz’s mixed doubles outing alongside Serena Williams, the Spaniard seemed to struggle with his serve and made plenty of errors during lengthy exchanges. He will hope to shrug off his rustiness quickly or could be staring at a first-ever Grand Slam opening round exit.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win in five sets
Who is the biggest first-round match to watch at the US Open 2026?
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin tops the list. Alcaraz returns from a wrist injury with no competitive matches since April, and Safiullin has already beaten him once, raising the possibility of a shock exit.
Which rematch from Wimbledon 2026 is happening again in round one?
Matteo Berrettini and Stan Wawrinka, who played an epic five-set battle at Wimbledon, are set to face off again in the first round at Flushing Meadows.
Why is Arthur Fils vs Stefanos Tsitsipas considered a one-sided match despite being a big-name clash?
Fils arrives in red-hot form as the reigning Cincinnati Open champion, while Tsitsipas has fallen outside the top-50 ATP rankings due to a significant loss of form, making Fils the heavy favourite.
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