US Open 2026: Top four second round matches to watch out for
Reigning champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz will be in action
The US Open 2026 has already witnessed some shocking results, with Novak Djokovic’s opening-round exit sending shockwaves through the tennis fraternity. With several quality players no longer seeded due to recurring injuries, expect some exciting battles in the second round.
On September 1, several round one matches were left incomplete due to incessant rain. Hence, Day 4 of the 2026 US Open will witness 14 first-round matches in addition to 32 second-round matches.
Let’s now take a look at some of the best round two matches to look forward to.
Matches to watch in second round of US Open 2026
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4. Ben Shelton vs Hubert Hurkacz
Ben Shelton recovered from a slow start against Tallon Griekspoor in the opening round and has time and again shown that his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game can make him a difficult opponent in New York.
Hubert Hurkacz, however, presents a serious challenge with his own big serve and ability to keep points short. The Pole has also returned to the top 50 and arrives with confidence after winning his opening match against Damir Dzumhur. The American could hold the advantage in case of a long contest, given Hurkacz’s injury struggles.
Prediction: Ben Shelton to win in five sets
Related: Five unwanted records Novak Djokovic set with shock US Open exit
3. Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Karen Khachanov
Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime faces a huge test against Karen Khachanov in what could be one of the more closely contested second-round matches at the US Open. The Canadian was not at his best in the opening round, dropping a set to Rinky Hijikata, but his 17 aces offer plenty of encouragement.
He will need to be more clinical on break points and improve his second-serve effectiveness against a dangerous opponent.
Khachanov has plenty of experience on the big stage and reached the US Open semifinals in 2022, although he has failed to progress beyond the second round in his subsequent appearances in New York.
The Russian’s recent form has been inconsistent, but his power and ability to strike through opponents could make this a difficult night for Auger-Aliassime.
Prediction: Karen Khachanov to win in five sets
2. Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaime Faria
Carlos Alcaraz‘s comeback continues as he looks to build momentum in his title defence at the US Open. The Spaniard made an impressive return against Roman Safiullin, but Jaime Faria could provide a sterner test if he can carry his confidence from a gruelling first-round victory over Jenson Brooksby.
The Spaniard will be the clear favourite, yet his lack of match practice could give Faria some hope. The Portuguese enters the contest in good form and has already shown his ability to compete under pressure after surviving a five-set battle in the opening round.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win in five sets
Related: Preview: Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaime Faria prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head | US Open 2026
1. Learner Tien vs Gael Monfils
There will be no shortage of entertainment and action on court when Gael Monfils takes on local hope Learner Tien in the second round of US Open 2026. With this his farewell year, Monfils will give everything he has in the tank.
Having now turned 40, his performance against Adolfo Daniel Vallejos Alvarez in the opening round was breathtaking, with some of his shots, combined with his unique celebrations, changing the atmosphere in a way only the Frenchman can.
Having said that, 14th seed Learner Tien will not be an easy opponent to beat. The American started with a comfortable win, defeating Nuno Borges in straight sets in the opening round. While Monfils will look to use his long levers to take advantage, expect Tien’s freshness and endurance to help him stay alive in his home Grand Slam.
Prediction: Learner Tien to win in five sets
When will the second round of matches start at US Open 2026?
The second round of matches will kick-off on September 2 (Wednesday) at Flushing Meadows.
Which top stars were knocked out in the opening round of US Open 2026?
Former Grand Slam champions Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Barbora Krejcikova, Venus Williams, as well as seeded players like Arthur Fils and Belinda Bencic bowed out in the first round.
Which are the top matches to watch in the second round of US Open 2026?
Shelton’s matchup against Hubert Hurkacz, 40-year-old Gael Monfils taking on local hope Learner Tien and reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz facing Jamie Faria are some of the matches to keep an eye on.
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