Tennis

Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, celebrates after winning a match against Camila Osorio, of Colombia, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Carlos Alcaraz returns to the US Open with a victory, Aryna Sabalenka also wins her first match

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 3:14 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz returned to the U.S. Open and looked healthy enough for a run at a repeat.

Alcaraz beat Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Monday, showing no problems with the right wrist injury that had sidelined the 23-year-old Spaniard since April.

Following fellow two-time U.S. Open champion Aryna Sabalenka onto Arthur Ashe Stadium, the No. 2-seeded Alcaraz appeared more comfortable as the match went on and delivered the all-around game that has made him a fan favorite in New York. He held his hand to his ear to encourage louder cheers and pumped his fist after a pretty volley winner in the final game of the match.

“I'm just really happy that I was able to compete again,” Alcaraz said. “I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure. I’m just really happy with the level that I played my first match.”

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Tennis

Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, gestures to the crowd after he lost to Mariano Navone, of Argentina, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Questions abound for Novak Djokovic after US Open loss and 3 years without a Grand Slam title

Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Questions abound for Novak Djokovic after US Open loss and 3 years without a Grand Slam title

Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press 5 minute read 12:12 PM CDT

Novak Djokovic waved goodbye, made a heart shape with his hands and blew kisses to the crowd as he walked off the court inside Arthur Ashe Stadium to a standing ovation.

Among those applauding in return were Djokovic’s 11-year-old son Stefan, while his 8-year-old daughter Tara covered her eyes and loaded her floppy-eared stuffed animal into a bag that went around her shoulder.

Back down on the court, Djokovic had his two black bags — one containing his rackets and the other more equipment — hanging from his shoulders.

After his first-round loss to Mariano Navone at the U.S. Open on Sunday night, it remains to be seen whether the 39-year-old Djokovic will ever bring those bags out on a court again for a professional match.

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12:12 PM CDT

Tennis

FILE - Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic poses with the trophy after winning against Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in the women's singles final at Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova is back in Grand Slam mode at the US Open

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova is back in Grand Slam mode at the US Open

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read 12:00 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Linda Noskova's life changed earlier this summer in ways she could not possibly imagine.

The 21-year-old from the Czech Republic won Wimbledon, the youngest champion there in a decade and a half, for her first Grand Slam title. She met Czech president Petr Pavel and was celebrated by thousands in her hometown of Vsetín.

“A lot of congratulations from people that weren’t really expected,” she said.

Back at a major for the first time at the U.S. Open, Noskova understands the gravity of what she has accomplished but insists it has not changed how she approaches tennis, with her eyes on more prizes ahead.

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12:00 PM CDT

Tennis

Marta Kostyuk, of Ukraine, returns the ball to Storm Hunter, of Australia, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

The US Open is getting longer as players already worry tennis tournaments are becoming too long

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

The US Open is getting longer as players already worry tennis tournaments are becoming too long

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 5 minute read 5:01 AM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Open was a week old by the time Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz opened their title defenses.

What once was a two-week quest for a Grand Slam championship now extends into a third week, and U.S. Tennis Association CEO Craig Tiley was asked how he hoped to continue that growth.

“Four weeks,” he said with a smile.

Some players might fear he is serious.

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5:01 AM CDT

Tennis

Venus Williams, of the United States, plays a backhand return to compatriot Sofia Kenin during their first round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Venus Williams bows out of her 26th US Open with a 1st-round loss to Sofia Kenin

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Venus Williams bows out of her 26th US Open with a 1st-round loss to Sofia Kenin

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 1:46 AM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Venus Williams bowed out of her 26th U.S. Open singles appearance early Monday morning, falling in straight sets to fellow American wild card Sofia Kenin after not getting on the court until midnight.

The 46-year-old lost 6-2, 7-6 (6) in what could be the final singles match at a Grand Slam, if not her illustrious career. It was Williams' 15th consecutive singles defeat dating to her last victory in Washington in July 2025.

Williams has now lost six in a row at the U.S. Open since winning in the first round in 2019. With doubles coming up later this week with sister Serena, Venus was not ready to contemplate her future in tennis.

“I don’t think I should have to,” Williams told a small group of reporters after the match. “My mind is fully focused on that: how I recover from this completely insane evening and get ready for the next one.”

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Updated: 1:46 AM CDT

Tennis

Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, reacts during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Mariano Navone, of Argentina, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Novak Djokovic loses in opening round of US Open for first time, falling in 5 sets to Mariano Navone

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Novak Djokovic loses in opening round of US Open for first time, falling in 5 sets to Mariano Navone

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:40 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Novak Djokovic grinded through physical and internal ailments, made one mistake after another and could not find what it took to beat a feisty, younger opponent who was not intimidated under the lights against tennis' most decorated player.

The 39-year-old is out of the U.S. Open after a first-round defeat to Mariano Navone on Sunday night, losing 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. It was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic's career and became his earliest exit in one in two decades, dating to the 2006 Australian Open. He had never lost in the first round at the U.S. Open.

“I didn’t enjoy myself,” Djokovic said. “I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me."

The record holder with 24 major titles threw up at least once and later appeared to be cramping when he grabbed at his left foot. Djokovic swallowed pills brought to him by a doctor and had his lower back massaged during a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets, and he grimaced after several shots.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:40 PM CDT

Tennis

Leylah Fernandez, of Canada, returns the ball to Zhang Shuai, of China, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Canada’s Fernandez, Shapovalov advance to second round of U.S. Open

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canada’s Fernandez, Shapovalov advance to second round of U.S. Open

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:19 PM CDT

NEW YORK - Canada's Leylah Fernandez is on to the second round of the U.S. Open.

The Laval, Que., native defeated China's Shuai Zhang 6-3, 6-2 in opening-round women's singles action on Sunday.

The 31st-seeded Fernandez had four aces to three double faults and converted three of her seven break-point chances. She also saved all seven of Zhang's break-point opportunities.

Zhang was held without an ace and had one double fault.

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:19 PM CDT

Tennis

Casper Ruud, the 2022 US Open runner-up, withdraws from the tournament because of an injury

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 11:52 AM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Casper Ruud, the 2022 U.S. Open runner-up, withdrew from the tournament Sunday because of a back injury.

Ruud was forced to stop playing in his first match in the recent Cincinnati Open. He played in the mixed doubles tournament in Flushing Meadows, but was seen in videos struggling to serve in practice.

Ruud, who is ranked No. 20, was replaced in the draw by Arthur Gea, who lost in the final round of qualifying. He will face Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the first round.

Ruud lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2022 U.S. Open final. He also reached the French Open final that year, losing to Rafael Nadal in his first attempt to become the first Norwegian man to win a Grand Slam title.

Tennis

Jasmine Paolini, of Italy, reacts during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Veronika Erjavec, of Slovenia, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Novak Djokovic out in US Open 1st round for the first time. Pegula, Medvedev, Kostyuk among winners

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Novak Djokovic out in US Open 1st round for the first time. Pegula, Medvedev, Kostyuk among winners

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 6 minute read Updated: 1:09 AM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Open's Sunday start gives some players a chance to get a nice head start. For Novak Djokovic, it turned into a stunning head start back to the airport.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was knocked out in the first round of the U.S. Open for the first time, beaten by Mariano Navone of Argentina 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Djokovic was 19-0 in the U.S. Open first round and hadn't lost his opening match in any major since the 2006 Australian Open.

“It’s a good record, another one. But yeah, I’m not really thinking about it,” Djokovic said. “Of course, I’ve been very proud of all the achievements in the past, but now is now.”

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Updated: 1:09 AM CDT

Tennis

Roger Federer tries to hold back his tears during his induction ceremony at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in Newport, R.I. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Roger Federer brought to tears during his induction into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Ken Powtak, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Roger Federer brought to tears during his induction into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Ken Powtak, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Roger Federer was brought to tears numerous times during his induction speech at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.

As sunset crept in at Newport’s grass horseshoe court at the entrance of the Hall, the 45-year-old Federer, dressed in a tan suit, strolled up to the stage for his speech, kissed and hugged his wife, Mirka, who had just introduced him, and realized what a challenge it was going to be.

“Oh man,” were the first words from the first man ever to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles. “This is very high level and a tough act to follow.”

He joked: “I don’t know if you have been practicing secretly” before praising his wife’s presentation of the 272nd Hall of Famer.

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Tennis

Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, returns the ball during a practice session with Denis Shapovalov, of Canada, at the U.S. Open tennis championships Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Novak Djokovic hopes losing early at Cincinnati has him more prepared for the US Open

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Novak Djokovic hopes losing early at Cincinnati has him more prepared for the US Open

The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Novak Djokovic never likes to get eliminated early in a tournament. In this case, he is looking on the bright side.

The 39-year-old who holds the record with 24 Grand Slam titles goes into the U.S. Open fresh off losing his first match at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month. That was his first action since Wimbledon, but he is at peace with the outcome.

“It gave me time to be preparing for U.S. Open in a most adequate way,” Djokovic said Saturday. “I had almost few weeks, actually two weeks, to really train and get my body and mind into the right state, prepared for what’s coming up.”

Seeded fourth, Djokovic begins his quest for a 25th Grand Slam championship — and fifth in Flushing Meadows — against 48th-ranked Mariano Navone on Sunday night inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite being a sizable favorite, he is not looking past Navone.

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, returns the ball during a mixed doubles match at the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

With Sinner out, Alcaraz just back and Sabalenka struggling, the US Open feels truly open again

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

With Sinner out, Alcaraz just back and Sabalenka struggling, the US Open feels truly open again

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner made last year's U.S. Open feel like two weeks of killing time until the inevitable.

They had separated themselves from everyone else in men's tennis while meeting in the French Open and Wimbledon finals. It seemed a foregone conclusion they would make it three in a row, which is exactly what happened.

With the No. 1-ranked Sinner sidelined, Alcaraz only returning now to defend his title after missing four months and Novak Djokovic perhaps finally showing his age, the U.S. Open once again feels, well, open.

Just don't confuse that with meaning easier.

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Tennis

Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, and Felix Auger-Aliassime, of Canada, enter the court ahead of a mixed doubles match at the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Alex Eala returns to the US Open with a roaring fan base and on a path to stardom

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Alex Eala returns to the US Open with a roaring fan base and on a path to stardom

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 8,000 fans packed the Grandstand at the U.S. Open last year to witness Alex Eala rally from down 5-1 in the third set to upset 14th-ranked Clara Tauson. The crowd went crazy, waving Filipino flags to celebrate the comeback.

Eala is now up to a career-best 18th in the world, and at just 21 appears to be on a trajectory to stardom that has outgrown all but the biggest venues at Flushing Meadows.

“The crowd is going to be wild for her,” ESPN's Patrick McEnroe said. “Better make sure they don’t put her on one of those side courts early in the tournament.”

Eala is back in New York for the latest stop on the whirlwind tour that has her on a path to being one of the future faces of tennis. She is less than a month removed from winning in Washington for her first WTA title, and her popularity is exploding in the process.

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, returns the ball during a mixed doubles match at the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka shrugs off her recent struggles as she seeks a third straight US Open title

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka shrugs off her recent struggles as she seeks a third straight US Open title

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka has appeared to be having fun everywhere but the tennis court lately.

Her Instagram account is filled with photos where she is fashionably dressed in beautiful settings, or lounging in a bikini in relaxing ones. Life looks great.

On the court, it's as bad as it's been in a while.

The top-ranked women's player hasn't even gotten past the fourth round of her last few tournaments, and she hardly looks ready to become the first player to win three straight U.S. Open titles since Serena Williams from 2012-14.

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, returns the ball during a mixed doubles match at the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

After being out four months because of injury, Carlos Alcaraz expects to be himself at the US Open

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

After being out four months because of injury, Carlos Alcaraz expects to be himself at the US Open

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — After sitting out more than four months nursing an injured right wrist that caused him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz didn't decide to return for the U.S. Open to be anything less than his Grand Slam-winning self.

“You’re going to see Carlitos playing the way he always has,” Alcaraz said.

The 23-year-old from Spain is set to play his first competitive singles match Monday since getting sidelined by the wrist injury in mid-April. He insists he has not changed anything about his mechanics and expressed confidence about physically feeling great.

"I need competition," Alcaraz said Friday. “We, my team and me, believe that I’m ready. It wasn’t an easy decision. I just did whatever it took to be ready."

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Tennis

Kei Nishikori, of Japan, returns the ball to Michael Antonius, of the United States, during a qualifying match at the U.S. Open tennis championships Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Japan’s Rei Sakamoto earns a US Open spot, but beats his retiring hero Kei Nishikori to do it

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Japan’s Rei Sakamoto earns a US Open spot, but beats his retiring hero Kei Nishikori to do it

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Rei Sakamoto played his way into the U.S. Open — but only by taking the spot that Kei Nishikori, Japan's greatest men's tennis star, hoped to earn for one last Grand Slam appearance.

In a changing of the guard match, Sakamoto beat Nishikori 6-4, 7-6 (3) on Friday in the final round of qualifying to earn a place in the main draw.

“Not happy to lose today, but I’m happy for Rei,” Nishikori said. “He’s the next Japanese top player.”

The 20-year-old Sakamoto, like many other players from Japan, considers Nishikori his hero. He was 8 years old and remembers when Nishikori reached the 2014 U.S. Open final, becoming the first Asian man to get that far in a Grand Slam tournament.

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

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