Highlights from the 2026 US Open: Key Takeaways

1. Rybakina’s Ascension

Elena Rybakina claimed the title and ascended to World No. 1 after winning three consecutive three-set matches, marking her third major championship following her Australian Open victory earlier in the season.

2. Zverev Shines

Alexander Zverev finished the Grand Slam season with his second major title, solidifying the transformative impact of his breakthrough at Roland Garros.

3. Shelton’s Near Miss

Ben Shelton had a breakout tournament, reaching the final before falling to Zverev. His run kept hopes alive for an American men’s Grand Slam title, which last occurred when Andy Roddick won in 2003.

4. Townsend’s Achievement

Taylor Townsend completed her career Grand Slam in women’s doubles by winning the US Open with partner Katerina Siniakova, achieving a significant milestone on home soil.

5. American Victories

While the United States did not secure any singles titles, several American athletes made their mark, including Marcel Latak in boys’ singles and the Penickova sisters in girls’ doubles, resulting in five American champions overall.

6. Remarkable Tuesday

A thrilling day featured four quarterfinal matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium, leading to three match tiebreaks and Ben Shelton overcoming Carlos Alcaraz at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday.

7. Alcaraz’s Return

Carlos Alcaraz, back after a four-month absence, energized the tournament despite his loss to Shelton in the quarterfinals.

8. Fan Week

Fan Week continued to serve as a highlight, offering free admission to a qualifying tournament that included 11 former Grand Slam quarterfinalists and four major finalists.

9. Tiafoe’s Resilience

Frances Tiafoe displayed both competitive spirit and empathy, coming back from two sets down to win his quarterfinal match while supporting his friend afterward.

10. Zheng’s Journey

Zheng Qinwen battled through qualifying and won impressive matches to reach the quarterfinals, including a comeback against Madison Keys and an upset of Iga Swiatek.

11. Mixed Doubles Success

The mixed doubles event featured a strong field, with Jakub Mensik and Karolina Muchova winning, along with noteworthy pairings like Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams.

12. A Farewell to Ram

Rajeev Ram concluded his 26th and final US Open appearance in men’s doubles with an emotional semifinal run, leaving a lasting legacy as part of a three-time champion duo.

13. Boys’ Singles Final

Marcel Latak’s path to the boys’ title included defeating highly seeded opponents, capped by a thrilling victory over top-seeded Guto Miguel, saving three championship points.

14. Sun’s Triumph

China's Sun Xinran won the girls' singles title, marking a significant achievement after reaching three consecutive Grand Slam finals earlier this season.

15. Monfils’ Birthday Win

On his 40th birthday, Gael Monfils won a match, making history as the oldest man to win a US Open singles match since 1992.

16. Wawrinka’s Exit

Stan Wawrinka said goodbye to the US Open, losing to Matteo Berrettini in a match that felt secondary to the tribute from fans celebrating his career.

17. Strong American Contingent

Of the 41 Americans in the singles draws, 10 advanced to the second week, the highest number since 2002, reflecting a positive trend in American tennis.

18. Semifinal Success

Although no American singles players won the title, half of the semifinalists were from the U.S., showcasing the strength of American tennis.

19. Tiafoe’s Stadium Dominance

Frances Tiafoe maintained an impressive 10-0 record on Louis Armstrong Stadium, establishing it as his preferred court.

20. Shelton’s Historic Final

Ben Shelton became the first Black American man to reach the US Open singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972, adding significance to his achievement.

21. Title Defense Challenge

No man has defended the US Open singles title since Roger Federer in 2008, making it the hardest major to retain.

22. Sabalenka’s Near Miss

Aryna Sabalenka fell short in her quest for a third consecutive US Open title, as Rybakina halted her bid in the final.

23. Youth in the Mix

Six players aged 21 or younger made it to the second week of the tournament, highlighting the sport's promising future.

24. Record Prize Money

The 2026 US Open featured a record total purse of $108 million, with singles champions taking home $5.5 million each, a positive response following discussions on prize distributions.

25. Gambling Partnership

The US Open's partnership with prediction market Kalshi sparked conversations about the relationship between tennis and gambling, especially considering the potential impacts on players.

26. Unforgettable Atmosphere

The 2026 US Open was marked by late-night finishes, crowded venues, emotional farewells, and emerging talents, all driven by passionate fans who contributed to the tournament's distinctive energy.