US Open 2026: Top five third round matches to watch out for

Seven of the top 20 ATP players have been knocked out in the first two rounds

The US Open 2026 is heading towards the end of its opening week, with round 3 starting today. The third round will witness several top 20 players clash for a place in the last 16.

The WTA section is particularly interesting as most of the top stars are still alive in the race to the trophy.

While the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina are expected to win their third-round matches, some of the other players have been handed tough draws.

Related: US Open 2026: Full updated schedule for today, Day 6 (September 4)

Similarly, on the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have easy third-round matchups, but some of the other top-20 names do not share the same luck.

On that note, let’s now take a look at some of the unmissable round three matches to look forward to.

Matches to watch in third round of US Open 2026

5. Daniil Medvedev vs Arthur Rinderknech

Daniil Medvedev has so far been at his disciplined best in New York, avoiding any drama or confrontations, and just focusing on doing the basics right. The Russian now faces his first big test with a place in the round of 16 on the line.

Arthur Rinderknech has not had a great season, and his form heading into the US Open has been modest, to say the least. However, he has the game to coerce Medvedev into making errors, which is what could make this tie interesting.

Their head-to-head is tied at 1-1, but their only previous meeting at the US Open saw the Russian prevail in straight sets.

Prediction: Daniil Medvedev to win in four sets

Also Read: WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka reveals story behind the jewellery she wears at US Open 2026

4. Jakub Mensik vs Learner Tien

Jakub Mensik of Czechia in action (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

After their Next Gen ATP Finals group-stage battle two years ago, this is the first time Jakub Mensik and Learner Tien play each other on the ATP tour. Both have come a long way since and are currently ranked inside the ATP top 20.

Tien defeated Gael Monfils and Nuno Borges in straight sets, thereby navigating what could have been a tricky opening two rounds with ease.

Mensik arrives after winning the mixed doubles event and has not faced too many problems in his first two rounds either, dropping only one set.

The Czech’s serve is a huge component of his game, but the high double-fault count is a matter of concern. Tien also served well against Monfils, saving all eight break points with a first-serve success rate of 80%. Tien will rely on consistency, while Mensik will hope to dictate terms with his heavy ball striking.

If Mensik can execute his aggressive play with caution, he might be able to prevail in a match which has all signs of going the distance.

Prediction: Jakub Mensik to win in five sets

3. Alexandra Eala vs Iva Jovic

It will be a battle of youngsters as they hope to secure their place in the fourth round of the US Open for the first time. Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic—both crowd favourites and potential future stars of the WTA locking horns is a clash nobody wants to miss. Both players have hardly broken a sweat so far, winning their respective matches in straight sets.

Neither player enjoyed a great North American swing, but their head-to-head tells a story. Having played twice against each other, it is the American who emerged victorious on both occasions.

Related: How Alexandra Eala became the face of tennis in Asia?

This will be their first exchange on a hard court, but the local hope is expected to bring her heavy groundstrokes into play, and not allow the Filipino to dictate the rally.

This contest could be a lot closer than their previous two meetings, given Eala’s game improvements since, but Jovic might be able to pull through in three.

Prediction: Iva Jovic to win in three sets

Also Read: US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz slams gruelling tennis schedule

2. Alexander Bublik vs Tommy Paul

NEW YORK NEW YORK – AUGUST 30: Tommy Paul of the United States celebrates after defeating Coleman Wong of Hong Kong during their Men’s Singles First Round match on Day One of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Tommy Paul has the edge in the overall head-to-head, but this is a particularly intriguing rematch after Alexander Bublik defeated him in five sets in the third round of last year’s US Open.

The Kazakh’s victory came in a marathon five-set battle, giving Paul plenty of reason to approach this meeting with revenge on his mind.

The contest also pits Bublik’s unpredictable, aggressive style against Paul’s more consistent hard-court game. Bublik has already looked impressive in New York, winning six of his seven sets, while Paul has also had to navigate four-setters in both of his opening matches.

The winner of this contest could potentially take on Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round, adding another dimension to this battle.

Prediction: Tommy Paul to win in five sets

Also Read: Five unwanted records Novak Djokovic set with shock US Open exit

1. Frances Tiafoe vs Valentin Vacherot

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 02: Frances Tiafoe of the United States reacts against Rei Sakamoto of Japan during their Men’s Singles Second Round match on Day Four of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Frances Tiafoe comes into this third-round clash with strong momentum, having recovered from a five-set battle against Martin Damm before defeating Rei Sakamoto in straight sets.

The American has also enjoyed a productive 2026 season, including a run to the Cincinnati final, and his 22-9 record on hard courts underlines his consistency on the surface.

Valentin Vacherot, meanwhile, has impressed in reaching the third round, beating Aleksandar Kovacevic and Kamil Majchrzak while dropping just one set.

This matchup has the feel of going the distance, and the player who can hold their nerve in crunch moments will prevail. The crowd factor in Tiafoe’s favor cannot be ignored either.

Prediction: Frances Tiafoe to win in five sets

When will the third round of matches begin at US Open 2026?

The third round of matches will start from September 4 (Friday) at Flushing Meadows.

Which are the top five third-round matches to watch at US Open 2026?

Daniil Medvedev vs Arthur Rinderknech
Jakub Mensik vs Learner Tien
Alexandra Eala vs Iva Jovic
Alexander Bublik vs Tommy Paul
Frances Tiafoe vs Valentin Vacherot

Who will Carlos Alcaraz face in the third round at US Open 2026?

Defending champion Alcaraz will face China’s Wu Yibing in the third round.

Who will Aryna Sabalenka face in the third round at US Open 2026?

The defending women’s singles champion, Sabalenka, is up against Uzbekistan’s Kamil Rakhimova.

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