Daily News 19

Tag: Aryna Sabalenka

  • WTA Finals Qualification Tracker: Who’s In, On the Bubble, and Outside Looking In

    WTA Finals Qualification Tracker: Who’s In, On the Bubble, and Outside Looking In

    WTA Finals Indian Wells 2026: Race Standings with Eight Weeks Remaining

    The 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells are now just eight weeks away, and the battle for the final qualification spots is intensifying. With two WTA 1000 events and several 500 and 250 tournaments left on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz, the top eight singles players and doubles teams are beginning to separate from the pack.

    Qualification Rules for the WTA Finals

    The top seven players in the WTA Race Leaderboard earn automatic qualification. The eighth spot is reserved for the highest-ranked Grand Slam champion of the year who sits between No. 8 and No. 20 in the race and is not already qualified. If that Grand Slam champion falls outside the top 20, or if all four major champions are already inside the top seven, the next highest-ranked player at No. 8 claims the final berth.

    Singles Race: Who Would Qualify Today

    1. Elena Rybakina — 7,492 points (QUALIFIED)

    Rybakina became the first official singles qualifier on Monday after capturing her third major title at the US Open and ascending to the No. 1 ranking. The defending WTA Finals champion has shown remarkable consistency dating back to her Ningbo Open title last season. Her 2025 campaign includes the WTA Finals Riyadh title, Australian Open crown, Stuttgart championship, and US Open victory, plus deep runs at both Sunshine Swing events and a Rome quarterfinal appearance.

    Best results: Australian Open champion (2000), US Open champion (2000), Indian Wells finalist (650), Toronto finalist (650), Stuttgart champion (500), Miami semifinal (390)

    2. Aryna Sabalenka — 6,485 points

    Despite relinquishing the No. 1 ranking and going without a major title in a single season for the first time since 2022, Sabalenka remains in prime position for her sixth WTA Finals appearance. She reached the finals at both the Australian Open and US Open and became only the fifth player to complete the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami.

    Best results: Australian Open finalist (1300), US Open finalist (1300), Indian Wells champion (1000), Miami champion (1000), Brisbane champion (500), Roland Garros quarterfinal (430)

    3. Jessica Pegula — 5,825 points

    The World No. 3 has nearly claimed titles on all three surfaces this season with victories in Dubai and Charleston and a runner-up finish in Berlin. Her aggressive, flat-hitting game has powered deep runs including two Grand Slam semifinals. The top-ranked American is chasing her fifth consecutive WTA Finals berth and begins her Asian Swing in Singapore, where a title as projected top seed could secure her Indian Wells spot.

    Best results: Dubai champion (1000), Australian Open semifinal (780), US Open semifinal (780), Charleston champion (500), Cincinnati finalist (650), Wimbledon quarterfinal (430), Berlin finalist (325)

    4. Coco Gauff — 5,654 points

    Gauff surged in the race with a Cincinnati title and US Open semifinal run, putting her more than 1,700 points clear of ninth place. Her dominant summer hard-court swing, complemented by finals in Miami and Rome, positions her strongly for another WTA Finals appearance. She returns to Wuhan as defending champion in the season’s final stretch.

    Best results: Cincinnati champion (1000), Wimbledon semifinal (780), US Open semifinal (780), Miami finalist (650), Rome finalist (650), Australian Open quarterfinal (430)

    5. Mirra Andreeva — 5,614 points

    The 19-year-old led the race earlier in the year after her Roland Garros breakthrough, which carries significant weight for her first WTA Finals singles qualification. After a challenging stretch across the Middle East and Sunshine Swings, the clay swing delivered a major title in Paris, preceded by a Linz championship and Madrid runner-up finish. She also reached the US Open quarterfinals.

    Best results: Roland Garros champion (2000), Madrid finalist (650), Adelaide champion (500), Linz champion (500), US Open quarterfinal (430), Australian Open fourth round (240), Rome quarterfinal (215)

    6. Elina Svitolina — 4,809 points

    Despite a third-round exit in New York, Svitolina strengthened her position with quarterfinal and semifinal runs in Washington DC and Toronto. Her season foundation includes an Auckland title, Australian Open semifinal, Dubai final, and a third career Rome championship. She sits in decent shape for a fourth WTA Finals appearance and first since 2019 Shenzhen.

    Best results: Rome champion (1000), Australian Open semifinal (780), Dubai finalist (650), Roland Garros quarterfinal (430), Indian Wells semifinal (390), Toronto semifinal (390), Auckland champion (250)

    7. Karolina Muchova — 4,400 points

    Muchova has not added to her total since her Wimbledon finalist run after missing Toronto and Cincinnati due to a minor procedure. Still enjoying the best season of her career with titles in Doha and Bad Homburg, she needs a strong Asian Swing to hold off countrymate Linda Noskova and Marta Kostyuk.

    Best results: Wimbledon finalist (1300), Doha champion (1000), Bad Homburg champion (500), Miami semifinal (390), Stuttgart finalist (325)

    8. Linda Noskova — 4,234 points

    Noskova holds the No. 8 position after a strong US Open quarterfinal where she fell to Sabalenka in a match tiebreak. Her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon keeps her in prime qualification position. If she remains between No. 8–20, she would qualify as a major champion provided Andreeva finishes No. 7 or higher (Rybakina has already qualified). The Czech posted the tour’s best grass season with a Berlin title.

    Best results: Wimbledon champion (2000), Berlin champion (500), US Open quarterfinal (430), Indian Wells semifinal (390), Madrid quarterfinal (215)

    On the Bubble: Alternate Positions

    Players finishing No. 9 and No. 10 would serve as alternates.

    9. Marta Kostyuk — 3,850 points

    Back-to-back Grand Slam semifinals in Paris and London followed by a US Open fourth-round showing have Kostyuk knocking on the door. She trails Noskova, a major champion, and ideally needs to surpass Muchova. After cracking the top 10 for the first time, Kostyuk could close her best season with a high note and possibly an Indian Wells berth.

    Best results: Madrid champion (1000), Roland Garros semifinal (780), Wimbledon semifinal (780), Brisbane finalist (325), Rouen champion (250)

    10. Iga Swiatek — 3,584 points

    The six-time major champion ended an 11-month title drought with a Toronto victory last month, rediscovering her patient yet aggressive game. A US Open fourth-round exit keeps her on the bubble, but Swiatek is never counted out — strong runs in Beijing and Wuhan could secure her sixth straight WTA Finals appearance.

    Best results: Toronto champion (1000), Australian Open quarterfinal (430), Rome semifinal (390), Indian Wells quarterfinal (215), Doha quarterfinal (215), United Cup 3-2 singles record & champion with Poland (150)

    11. Victoria Mboko — 2,393 points

    The Canadian has been sidelined since a lower-leg injury at Queen’s Club and is not scheduled to play through Beijing. Prior to the injury, she reached three finals this year. With a significant points deficit and no tournaments remaining, qualification appears unlikely, though a healthy 2027 campaign remains the priority.

    Best results: Doha finalist (650), Adelaide finalist (325), Strasbourg finalist (325), Hong Kong champion (250)*

    *Results from 2025 Chennai, Hong Kong, and Jiujiang 250 tournaments count for the 2026 Race as they occurred the week before the WTA Finals. This year, Tokyo and Guangzhou are the final tournaments counting toward the 2026 race.

    12. Sorana Cirstea — 2,390 points

    The veteran is enjoying a career-best season, recently reaching a career-high No. 15 ranking. Consistent all year, Cirstea could make a late push in Asia. If she retires at season’s end as suggested, a dominant Asian swing could send her out with a WTA Finals appearance.

    Best results: Roland Garros quarterfinal (430), Rome semifinal (390), Cluj-Napoca champion (250), US Open fourth round (240), Wimbledon third round (130)

    13. Diana Shnaider — 2,344 points

    The 22-year-old’s breakthrough came with a Roland Garros semifinal, followed by semifinal and quarterfinal runs in Washington and Toronto. Scheduled for Beijing and likely Wuhan, with the Tokyo 500 as an option, she still has a path for a final push.

    Best results: Roland Garros semifinal (780), Toronto quarterfinal (215), Adelaide semifinal (195), Washington DC semifinal (195), Charleston quarterfinal (108)

    Outside Looking In (Nos. 14–20)

    14. Iva Jovic — 2,232 points | 15. Alexandra Eala — 2,181 points | 16. Naomi Osaka — 2,177 points | 17. Elise Mertens — 2,130 points | 18. Madison Keys — 2,095 points | 19. Belinda Bencic — 2,087 points | 20. Anna Kalinskaya — 1,967 points

    Full Race Rankings — Singles

    Doubles Race: Three Grand Slam Champions Already Inside Top Seven

    The doubles qualification criteria mirror singles: top seven teams automatically qualify, with the eighth spot going to the highest-ranked Grand Slam champion pair ranked No. 8–20 not already qualified. If that pair falls outside the top 20, or all four major-winning teams are inside the top seven, the No. 8 team claims the spot.

    All three Grand Slam-winning teams this year currently sit inside the top seven. Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova have captured two majors together.

    Team Points Tournaments Together Status
    Taylor Townsend & Katerina Siniakova* 8,370 9 QUALIFIED
    Gabriela Dabrowski & Luisa Stefani 6,503 12 QUALIFIED
    Aleksandra Krunic & Anna Danilina 5,638 14 QUALIFIED
    Kristina Mladenovic & Guo Hanyu* 3,566 10
    Demi Schuurs & Ellen Perez 3,035 18
    Zhang Shuai & Elise Mertens* 3,018 9
    Jelena Ostapenko & Hsieh Su-wei 2,898 7
    Nicole Melichar-Martinez & Cristina Bucsa 2,418 5 Last In

    *Indicates Grand Slam champion pair this year

    On the Bubble (Current Alternates)

    9. Shuko Aoyama & Liang En-Shuo — 2,199 points (8 tournaments)
    10. Olivia Nicholls & Tereza Mihalikova — 2,155 points (19 tournaments)

    Full Race Rankings — Doubles

  • Rybakina Beats Sabalenka to Win First US Open Title

    Rybakina Beats Sabalenka to Win First US Open Title

    Key Highlights

    • Elena Rybakina captured her first US Open title by defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
    • The victory marks Rybakina’s third Grand Slam singles championship overall.
    • Rybakina ended Sabalenka’s bid for a third consecutive US Open crown.

    Rybakina Triumphs at Flushing Meadows for Maiden US Open Title

    Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina has claimed the 2024 US Open women’s singles championship, overcoming Aryna Sabalenka in the final to secure her first title at Flushing Meadows. The victory represents a significant milestone for the 25-year-old, who adds the American hard-court major to her previous Grand Slam triumphs at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier this year.

    Ending Sabalenka’s Title Defense

    Rybakina’s path to the trophy required toppling the tournament’s most dominant recent performer. Sabalenka entered the final as the two-time defending champion, having captured the US Open crown in both 2022 and 2023. The Belarusian’s bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to win three straight US Open titles was halted by Rybakina’s powerful baseline game and composed serving under pressure.

    Third Major Crown Completes Surface Sweep

    With this win, Rybakina becomes one of the few active players to hold Grand Slam titles on all three major surfaces: grass (Wimbledon 2022), hard court (Australian Open 2024, US Open 2024), and now a second distinct hard-court major. The achievement underscores her versatility and cements her status among the elite of the women’s game. Rybakina’s 2024 season now features two major championships, signaling a return to peak form after injury interruptions earlier in her career.

    Why This Matters

    Rybakina’s victory reshapes the narrative at the top of the WTA Tour. By denying Sabalenka a historic three-peat, she reasserts herself as a primary contender for the year-end No. 1 ranking and establishes a compelling rivalry with the Belarusian on the sport’s biggest stages. The result also highlights the depth of the current women’s field, where multiple players possess the weapons to win on any surface. For the US Open, the crowning of a first-time champion in New York continues a trend of diverse winners, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation for producing fresh narratives each season.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many Grand Slam titles does Elena Rybakina now have?

    Elena Rybakina has won three Grand Slam singles titles: Wimbledon in 2022, the Australian Open in 2024, and the US Open in 2024.

    Was Aryna Sabalenka attempting to win her third consecutive US Open?

    Yes, Aryna Sabalenka was the two-time defending champion, having won the US Open in 2022 and 2023, and was bidding for a third straight title.

    What is significant about Rybakina winning the US Open?

    This is Rybakina’s first US Open title. Combined with her previous majors, she now holds Grand Slam trophies on grass and hard courts, demonstrating her all-surface prowess.

  • Elena Rybakina Wins US Open 2026 Title After Pre-Tournament Injury

    Elena Rybakina Wins US Open 2026 Title After Pre-Tournament Injury

    Elena Rybakina Wins US Open Title, Claims World No. 1 Ranking After Injury Comeback

    Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina arrived at Flushing Meadows barely able to walk. She departed as the 2024 US Open champion and the new WTA world No. 1.

    Rybakina Overcomes Sabalenka in Three-Set Final

    Rybakina produced a masterclass performance on Saturday, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. The victory mirrors their Australian Open final in January, where Rybakina also triumphed over the Belarusian.

    Clutching the trophy on Saturday night, Rybakina reflected that some magic is happening for her after a tumultuous lead-in to the final Grand Slam of the year.

    Foot Injury Threatened Tournament Participation

    The 27-year-old aggravated a foot injury during her Cincinnati quarter-final against Iga Swiatek last month, barely a week before the US Open began. Playing through the issue risked long-term consequences for her season, but with the top ranking within reach, Rybakina opted to compete.

    I was so upset. I didn’t know actually how it was going to be day by day, she said. We arrived in New York and did an MRI. It didn’t look that great.

    I couldn’t even walk for the next few days without pain.

    Strategic Recovery Plan Pays Off

    Rybakina credited a coordinated medical effort for her turnaround. I was lucky enough to have a very good doctor in Australia. She was on the phone with us all the time and somehow, with the team, we made a plan.

    The plan involved zero on-court training for a week. Instead, daily recovery sessions in the gym—combined with trips for dinner and to the cinema to switch the mind—prepared her body and mindset for a deep run.

    Dominant Path to the Title

    Rybakina won her first four matches without dropping a set, dismissing four-time major champion Naomi Osaka. Her subsequent run was historic: she toppled Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals, outlasted third seed Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, and outplayed top seed Sabalenka in the championship match.

    I was so unlucky with the injury, but I’m very proud, Rybakina said. I still can’t believe it.

  • Malika Andrews: Husband, Ethnicity, Family & ESPN US Open Studio Host Profile

    Malika Andrews: Husband, Ethnicity, Family & ESPN US Open Studio Host Profile

    2026 US Open Women’s Final: Sabalenka vs. Rybakina at Arthur Ashe Stadium

    The 2026 US Open concludes today with the women’s singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka enters the match targeting a historic third consecutive US Open title and her fifth Grand Slam championship overall. Rybakina, meanwhile, pursues her third major title and faces a formidable challenge against the tournament’s dominant force.

    Head-to-Head History and Grand Slam Finals Split

    The rivals have contested numerous matches on tour, with Sabalenka holding a narrow 10–7 advantage in their all-time head-to-head record. Their Grand Slam final encounters are evenly divided: Sabalenka captured the 2023 Australian Open title, while Rybakina prevailed in their 2026 Australian Open rematch.

    Malika Andrews Leads ESPN’s US Open Coverage

    Familiar ESPN personality Malika Andrews is among the network’s lead voices for the championship broadcast. The Emmy Award-winning sports journalist has built her reputation covering basketball, hosting flagship programs including NBA Today, NBA Countdown, and WNBA Countdown.

    From Print Journalism to Broadcasting History

    Andrews began her career as a print reporter for The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune before joining ESPN in 2018. She made broadcasting history in 2022 as the first woman to host the live NBA Draft telecast. Her portfolio has since expanded to include lead roles on ESPN’s tennis coverage, anchoring live broadcasts from both the US Open and Australian Open.

    Personal Life and Family Background

    Andrews is married to Dave McMenamin, a senior NBA reporter for ESPN who previously covered LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers before following James to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. The couple announced their engagement in late 2022, maintained a private relationship, and married on August 24, 2024, at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, California, near the Golden Gate Bridge.

    The 31-year-old journalist comes from an interracial, interfaith family and identifies as Jewish. She is the daughter of Mike Andrews, a personal trainer, and grew up in Oakland, California. Her younger sister, Kendra Andrews, also covers the NBA for ESPN.

    This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on September 12, 2026, in the Tennis section.

  • How to Watch Sabalenka vs. Rybakina US Open 2026 Women’s Final for Free

    How to Watch Sabalenka vs. Rybakina US Open 2026 Women’s Final for Free

    The world’s top two women’s singles players are hitting the court, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at the pinnacle of the sport.

    Rankings Leaders Prepare for Battle

    With the number one and number two ranked athletes taking to the surface, all eyes are on the matchup that defines the current era of women’s tennis. The pairing guarantees a contest of the highest technical quality and mental fortitude.

    What This Means for the Tournament

    The presence of the sport’s two leading figures in the same section of the draw elevates the event’s profile immediately. Fans and analysts alike will be tracking every point as the battle for supremacy unfolds in real time.

  • Elena Rybakina Beats Coco Gauff, Sets Up US Open 2026 Final vs. Aryna Sabalenka

    Elena Rybakina Beats Coco Gauff, Sets Up US Open 2026 Final vs. Aryna Sabalenka

    Aryna Sabalenka extended her dominance at Flushing Meadows, securing a spot in the US Open final with a commanding victory over Jessica Pegula. The world number two has not tasted defeat in New York since losing the 2023 championship match to Coco Gauff, but questions surrounded her title defense following a disappointing summer swing.

    Sabalenka Rediscovers Form After Summer Slump

    After capturing the “Sunshine Double” at Indian Wells and Miami in March, Sabalenka stumbled with a quarter-final exit at Roland Garros and a fourth-round loss at Wimbledon. However, the Belarusian has rediscovered her best tennis on the American hard courts, dropping just a single set throughout the fortnight.

    Desperation Fuels Final Push

    Speaking after the match, Sabalenka revealed the mental edge driving her run.

    “I was super desperate,” Sabalenka said after her win over Pegula.

    “It feels for me, talking about Grand Slams, like a last push of the season. I wanted it badly to go to the finals, and of course, I want to go all the way.”

    Clinical Second Set Seals Victory

    The match began tensely. Sabalenka struggled with unforced errors early in the opening set while Pegula settled quickly, striking the ball cleanly. The four-time major champion eventually found her rhythm, striking decisively at 6-5 to claim the first set. From there, Sabalenka elevated her power game to another level.

    Pegula appeared helpless in the second set as Sabalenka raced through it, pounding 29 winners to her opponent’s 12.

    Historic Hard-Court Consistency

    The victory wrote another page in the record books. Sabalenka broke the Open Era record for the most consecutive Grand Slam hard-court finals, reaching the championship match on her favored surface at every major dating back to the 2023 Australian Open.

    Pegula’s Major Drought Continues

    For 32-year-old Pegula, the only semi-finalist without a Grand Slam title, it marks another painful US Open exit at the hands of a long-time rival. Sabalenka denied the third seed a maiden major in the 2024 final and defeated her in last year’s semi-finals, though Pegula had won their most recent encounter at the Berlin Open in June.

    Pegula offered gracious praise for her conqueror’s performance.

    “I do think she probably would have beaten 99% of people,” Pegula said.

    “Probably the best match she’s played this year.”

  • Carlos Alcaraz Splits from Aryna Sabalenka Amid Tennis Schedule Controversy

    Carlos Alcaraz Splits from Aryna Sabalenka Amid Tennis Schedule Controversy

    Carlos Alcaraz Returns to US Open Form but Steps Back from Grand Slam Revenue Campaign

    Carlos Alcaraz has returned to the US Open looking every bit the title contender, yet his position within one of tennis’ most significant player movements has shifted dramatically. According to The Times, Alcaraz’s long-time representative Albert Molina informed the group behind the Grand Slam revenue campaign shortly before the tournament that the Spaniard would no longer participate.

    Revenue Campaign Loses a High-Profile Voice

    The campaign, which launched in March 2025, united several of the sport’s biggest names — including Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, and Coco Gauff — to push for a greater share of Grand Slam revenue, improved player welfare, and more influence over tour decisions. The collective goal was to increase the athletes’ share of Grand Slam revenue to 22% by 2030.

    Alcaraz had previously backed that push. Now, after missing nearly five months with a wrist injury, his strongest public comments center on a different concern: the sheer volume of tennis players are expected to play.

    “In the future, I’m going to take some breaks, some long breaks,” Alcaraz said. “Maybe not four months, but one month, two months, missing some tournaments, because it’s impossible to play them all.”

    Campaign Continues Without Alcaraz

    Frustration over the revenue split became increasingly public during the 2026 season. Sinner framed the dispute as a matter of respect.

    “It’s more about respect, you know?” he said. “Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back.”

    Players also staged a symbolic reduction in pre-tournament media commitments at the French Open, linking the action to the percentage of Grand Slam revenue they believed they were receiving.

    Some concessions have followed. Wimbledon increased its prize fund to £64.2 million, while the US Open raised total player compensation by 20% to $108 million and added a $2 million Player Support Program. The four majors also agreed to establish a Grand Slam Player Council.

    Alcaraz’s reported departure does not signal opposition to those goals. However, it removes one of the sport’s most influential players from a campaign that relied heavily on the image of unity among its biggest stars.

    Alcaraz’s Comeback Shifts the Narrative

    His immediate focus is understandable after a wrist injury forced him to miss both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Legitimate questions lingered over what level Alcaraz could produce after four and a half months away, but his US Open return has quickly answered many of them.

    He reached the quarterfinals after beating Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, Wu Yibing, and Tommy Paul. Paul admitted the gap between them felt substantial.

    “It felt like he’s playing at a completely different level than me,” Paul said.

    Alcaraz himself has sounded increasingly confident.

    “So it probably doesn’t matter that I was out for four months and a half,” he said. “Every time that I come here, I play my best.”

    That comeback may also have reinforced a lesson from the months he lost. Alcaraz is still competing for the biggest trophies, but he is no longer pretending he can play everything. While Sabalenka, Sinner, and others continue pushing the Grand Slams over revenue, Alcaraz appears ready to fight a different battle — protecting enough of his calendar to protect his body.

  • ‘What is she wearing?’: Taylor Townsend’s bold US Open outfit vs. Sabalenka stuns fans

    ‘What is she wearing?’: Taylor Townsend’s bold US Open outfit vs. Sabalenka stuns fans

    Taylor Townsend’s Bold Fashion Statement Steals Spotlight Before US Open Showdown With Aryna Sabalenka

    Before striking a single ball in her fourth-round clash against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Taylor Townsend captured the attention of Arthur Ashe Stadium spectators and social media with a dramatic all-black entrance ensemble that quickly became a talking point at the 2024 US Open.

    Townsend’s Feathered Hooded Look Goes Viral

    The American arrived on court wearing a flowing, feathered black outfit complete with a hood pulled over her head, creating an immediate visual spectacle. Photos and videos of the entrance spread rapidly across social platforms, generating a mixture of amusement, criticism, and disbelief from fans. Commentary ranged from questioning the unconventional aesthetic to comparisons with mysterious fictional characters and even the legendary Sasquatch.

    Fashion Takes Center Stage at Flushing Meadows

    Townsend’s entrance added another chapter to an increasingly fashion-forward US Open, where players are using their on-court wardrobes to express personality and individuality rather than adhering strictly to traditional tennis attire. The 30-year-old, who has become one of the most recognizable American players on the circuit, has embraced fashion throughout her time in New York. Beyond her match-day looks, she has been involved in designing clothing and hosted a pop-up shop in Brooklyn ahead of this year’s tournament.

    Sabalenka and Osaka Continue Style Narrative

    Townsend was far from the only player attracting wardrobe attention at Flushing Meadows. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka repeatedly made headlines with unconventional designs during the tournament, including basketball-inspired ensembles and eye-catching orange-and-black combinations. The defending champion initially turned heads with a black basketball-style outfit featuring a bright orange sports bra and matching briefs, later rotating through an all-orange version before returning to another black look.

    Naomi Osaka continued her reputation for bold Grand Slam fashion, appearing in outfits featuring oversized layers, dramatic silhouettes, and distinctive tailoring. A striking white ensemble with a long overshirt decorated with tennis-racket details exemplified her approach, though the trailing fabric occasionally created practical challenges — notably catching around her feet as she approached the net for a coin toss.

    Townsend’s Run Ends in Fourth Round

    The fashion headlines preceded one of the biggest matches of Townsend’s tournament. The 30-year-old reached the round of 16 after overcoming Diana Shnaider in a three-set battle, earning her place among the final 16 players in the women’s singles draw.

    Standing in her way was a formidable opponent in Sabalenka, the top seed chasing a third consecutive US Open title. The match itself produced plenty of on-court drama following the pre-match fashion buzz. The opening five games featured five breaks of serve, with Sabalenka eventually taking control to lead 4-2 before securing the first set 6-4.

    Townsend responded strongly in the second set, breaking Sabalenka to establish a 3-1 advantage. However, the American couldn’t maintain her momentum. Sabalenka answered by winning five consecutive games, turning the set around and completing a 6-4, 6-3 victory to reach the quarterfinals.

    While Sabalenka ultimately had the final say on the scoreboard, Townsend ensured she made her presence felt before the match even began, reinforcing the US Open’s evolving identity as a stage for both elite tennis and personal expression.

  • US Open 2026 LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Camila Osorio, Carlos Alcaraz Up Next — Scores, Radio and Live Text Updates

    US Open 2026 LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Camila Osorio, Carlos Alcaraz Up Next — Scores, Radio and Live Text Updates

    Live action is underway at the US Open, with matches taking place across Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and multiple outside courts. The latest scores include several first-round matches in progress across the men’s and women’s singles draws.

    US Open live scores

    • Arthur Ashe Stadium: Aryna Sabalenka (seeded 1) leads Camila Osorio 2-1 in the first set, with Sabalenka serving.
    • Louis Armstrong Stadium: Stefanos Tsitsipas trails Arthur Fils, the 10th seed, 6-4 in the first set. The second set is level at 0-0 and in progress, with Fils serving.
    • Grandstand: Karolina Muchova, seeded 7, leads Sinja Kraus 6-3, 3-0, with the second set in progress.
    • Court 5: Cristina Bucsa leads 28th seed Sara Bejlek 6-5 in the first set, which is in progress.
    • Court 6: Mananchaya Sawangkaew leads Panna Udvardy 6-4 after the opening set. The second set is at 0-0 and in progress.
    • Court 7: Otto Virtanen and 23rd seed Andrey Rublev are tied at 6-6 in the first set. The tiebreak is in progress, with Rublev leading 6-5.
    • Court 10: Marie Bouzkova, seeded 25, leads Elsa Jacquemot 5-2 in the first set, with Bouzkova serving.
    • Court 11: 22nd seed Valentin Vacherot leads Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-2, 3-2, with the second set in progress and Vacherot serving.
    • Court 12: Peyton Stearns leads Harriet Dart 6-3 in the first set. The second set is at 0-0 and in progress, with Stearns serving.
    • Court 13: Lilli Tagger leads Tamara Korpatsch 6-0, 1-0, with the second set in progress and Korpatsch serving.
    • Court 15: Himeno Sakatsume leads Anhelina Kalinina 6-3, 2-0, with the second set in progress and Sakatsume serving.
    • Stadium 17: Qinwen Zheng and Kristina Liutova are competing in the first set, with Liutova leading 5-4. Zheng is serving.

    All times are UK time. Some content is provided by third parties, is subject to change and is unverified.

    Source: www.bbc.com

  • US Open Odds: Sabalenka and Alcaraz Favored as Tournament Begins

    US Open Odds: Sabalenka and Alcaraz Favored as Tournament Begins

    The return of Carlos Alcaraz and the absence of Jannik Sinner have significantly reshaped the 2026 US Open betting futures market.

    Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, is listed at +250 to defend his title as the tournament gets underway. That price is a notable increase from the +140 odds available shortly after Sinner announced his withdrawal because of an injury.

    Alcaraz leads men’s US Open betting

    Alexander Zverev, the 2026 French Open champion, is the clear second choice at +300. However, bookmakers say bettors have not backed him heavily. Instead, sportsbook customers have shown interest in longer-priced players such as Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar, both at 12-1, along with popular Americans Ben Shelton at 13-1 and Learner Tien at 60-1.

    The leading men’s odds shortened after three seeded players suffered first-round defeats, including No. 4 seed Novak Djokovic. Djokovic lost to Argentina’s Mariano Navone on Sunday, marking his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam in more than 20 years. No. 19 seed Casper Ruud and No. 29 seed Cameron Norrie were also eliminated.

    Sabalenka, Gauff headline women’s odds

    On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka led the market Sunday at +330 to win the US Open. Coco Gauff was next at +450, followed by Iga Swiatek at +550.

    Bettors have shown even stronger support for American players in the women’s draw. Gauff, Jessica Pegula at 10-1, Amanda Anisimova at 16-1 and Madison Keys at 50-1 have all attracted action across the sportsbook marketplace.

    Alexandra Eala is another player to watch. The Filipino phenom was priced at more than 100-1 to win the US Open two months ago, but her odds have shortened to 28-1 after she captured her first professional title at the 2026 Washington Open.

    Men’s and women’s odds from DK Sports were updated Monday morning and may differ from the prices listed above.

    Source: www.espn.com