US Open 2026: Top four quarter-final matches to watch out for
Top stars clash with a place in the last four at stake
And then, there were eight. The 2026 US Open has reached its business end, with a star-studded women’s draw and an intriguingmen’s section set to determine who will leave New York with a Grand Slam title.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain remains the heavy favourite, but the defending champion faces a stern test against home favourite Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals.
The women’s draw, however, once again carries much of the spotlight, with several marquee clashes featuring some of the biggest names left in the tournament. With that in mind, here are the four most highly anticipated quarter-final clashes.
Matches to watch in the quarter-finals of the US Open 2026
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4. Aryna Sabalenka vs Linda Noskova
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows. The World No. 1 overcame local favourite Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 in the fourth round to reach her sixth straight US Open quarter-final and move three wins away from a historic three-peat.
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It was not her best outing, but it was enough to prevail in the end. Sabalenka will need to find more accuracy on serve when she faces sixth seed and reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.
The Czech advanced to her first US Open quarter-final after a thrilling 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 2-0, including a straight-sets win at Indian Wells earlier this year, but Noskova’s consistency and excellent Grand Slam form could make this a stern test.
Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in three sets
3. Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton
Alcaraz will look to keep his title defence hopes alive at the US Open as he prepares to face Shelton in the quarter-finals. The two-time US Open champion has dropped just one set in New York and arrives after a convincing 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over another American, Tommy Paul.
The Spaniard made it crystal clear after his pre-quarterfinal win that he is truly back. Factors like rustiness and lack of match practice, which were expected to trouble him on court, certainly didn’t show up in the opening week of the event and are unlikely to bother him as the end approaches.
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Shelton arrives after dismantling Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 in just one hour and 51 minutes. However, Alcaraz has won all three previous meetings against the American, giving him the clear edge heading into their fourth clash.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win in four sets
2. Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan enters her maiden US Open quarter-final in imperious form after dismantling four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka of Japan 6-1, 6-4. The second seed has not dropped a set in New York, and her powerful serve and groundstrokes make her a formidable opponent.
However, she faces a resurgent Chinese player, Qinwen Zheng, who has produced consecutive comebacks from 0-5 down, including against Poland’s Iga Swiatek recently, to reach the last eight.
Zheng’s fighting spirit will be tested against Rybakina’s power in what promises to be a fascinating battle between two heavy hitters. Rybakina leads their head-to-head 4-1 and has won both of their meetings this year in Doha and Madrid.
Prediction: Elena Rybakina to win in straight sets
1. Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva
A blockbuster contest awaits between fourth seed Coco Gauff of the USA and fifth seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia. The American has been on fire in New York so far, displaying remarkable athleticism and defence. Her serving concerns have eased as the tournament has progressed, with only a couple of double faults in her previous win over fellow American Iva Jovic.
Andreeva has had a contrasting path to the final eight, coming back from a set down to overcome Anastasia Potapova.
The Russian hasn’t always had the best control over her mental state when things aren’t going her way, and with the crowd expected to be packed and rooting for their local hope, the reigning Roland Garros winner will have to keep her composure and produce her best tennis to advance to the semi-finals.
Gauff holds a flawless 5-0 record over Andreeva, which gives her a massive psychological advantage ahead of this all-important battle.
Prediction: Coco Gauff to win in three sets
When is the Aryna Sabalenka vs Linda Noskova US Open 2026 quarter-final contest?
The Aryna Sabalenka vs Linda Noskova US Open 2026 quarter-final contest will be played on Tuesday at around 9.00 PM IST.
When is the Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton US Open 2026 quarter-final encounter?
The Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton US Open 2026 quarter-final encounter is on Tuesday at around 5.40 AM IST (Wednesday).
Who are the men’s and women’s singles defending champions at the US Open this year?
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are the respective men’s and women’s singles defending champions at the US Open this year.
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