US Open 2026: Top five fourth round matches to watch out for
Heavyweights clash with a place in the final eight at stake
The fourth round of the US Open 2026 is all set to produce multiple electrifying battles, with top stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Alexander Zverev still very much alive in the race for the title.
The third round had its fair share of upsets, with the ATP draw in particular opening up considerably. The WTA section, meanwhile, still has the top six seeds in the competition.
With so much at stake, the fourth round promises to be one of the most intriguing stages of the 2026 US Open. On that note, let’s take a look at some of the unmissable matches to look forward to.
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Matches to watch in fourth round of US Open 2026
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5. Daniil Medvedev vs Frances Tiafoe
Frances Tiafoe has also been in impressive form, reaching the fourth round after winning his last two matches dropping a set in, after a marathon opening round. The American has a flawless 9-0 record on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where the home crowd often brings out his best tennis.
He has reached the US Open semi-finals twice, in 2022 and 2024, and will look to use the partisan support to challenge Medvedev. The Russian, however, is playing his best tennis in recent times, winning all nine sets he has played in New York.
He leads Tiafoe 5-2 in their head-to-head and won their most recent meeting in Brisbane earlier this year.
Prediction: Daniil Medvedev to win in four sets
4. Iga Swiatek vs Qinwen Zheng
Iga Swiatek and Qinwen Zheng will renew their rivalry in the US Open fourth round, with Swiatek holding a dominant 7-1 head-to-head record.
Zheng arrives with confidence after her sensational comeback against Madison Keys, but the Pole has looked more consistent throughout the tournament and is yet to drop a set.
Swiatek will need to handle Zheng’s powerful baseline game and avoid another tight contest after her two tiebreak wins over Marie Bouzkova.
Zheng’s resilience and hard-court ability could make this a competitive battle, especially if she can reignite the ghosts of the 2024 Paris Olympics semi-final when she stunned Swiatek at Philippe Chatrier Stadium.
The Polish, former World No. 1, will hope to serve well, with her return game expected to help her prevail in what could be a tense battle.
Prediction: Iga Swiatek to win in three sets
3. Coco Gauff vs Iva Jovic
Coco Gauff has arguably been the most dominant player in the women’s section so far at the 2026 US Open. The American has improved her level with every passing round, and with the crowd behind he, she looks well positioned to lift her second US Open title.
Iva Jovic, who beat Alexandra Eala in a thrilling three-setter, will face a formidable challenge against a fellow-American.
Jovic put up a solid fight in Rome when they met earlier this year, but lost in three. Gauff is likely to outpower the 18-year-old, who might struggle to keep up with the tempo of the rally once the 2-time Grand Slam champion finds her rhythm.
Prediction: Coco Gauff to win in three sets
2. Carlos Alcaraz vs Tommy Paul
Carlos Alcaraz has won 17 consecutive Grand Slam matches and three straight matches in New York this week, without dropping a set. Tommy Paul, meanwhile, needed five sets to overcome Alexander Bublik but has plenty of experience on the Grand Slam stage.
Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 6-2 and has won their last five meetings, including their Australian Open clash earlier this year.
Since his return, the Spaniard has hardly been tested. However, this contest is going to be a true reflection of where his game stands currently.
Alcaraz struggled with his forehand in the previous round, despite the one-sided eventual result. His serving has not been up to the mark all week, which could prove decisive against the American.
Prediction: Tommy Paul to win in five sets
1. Elena Rybakina vs Naomi Osaka
Elena Rybakina enters the fourth round having looked increasingly comfortable in New York, while Naomi Osaka has been forced to fight through three-set battles in her previous two rounds. Rybakina also holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage after beating Osaka at the Canadian Open recently.
Osaka’s fitness could be a major concern after she appeared to struggle with an Achilles issue against Elise Mertens. Rybakina’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline game could put further pressure on Osaka’s second serve, making the Kazakh the favourite to advance.
Prediction: Elena Rybakina to win in straight sets
When will the fourth-round match take place at US Open 2026?
The four-round matches will be played on September 6 and 7 at Flushing Meadows.
Which are the top matches to watch in the fourth round of US Open 2026?
Elena Rybakina vs Naomi Osaka
Carlos Alcaraz vs Tommy Paul
Coco Gauff vs Iva Jovic
Iga Swiatek vs Qinwen Zheng
Daniil Medvedev vs Frances Tiafoe
Which is the biggest clash to watch in the fourth round of US Open 2026?
Grand Slam winners Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina go head-to-head in what could a blockbuster fourth-round meeting.
Who will Carlos Alcaraz face in the fourth round of US Open 2026?
Alcaraz will up against homegrown Tommy Paul in the round of 16.
Who will Aryna Sabalenka face in the fourth round of US Open 2026?
Aryna Sabalenka will face Czechia’s Linda Noskova in the round of 16.
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