Zverev Caps Career-Best Season with US Open Triumph
World No. 2 Alexander Zverev has completed his most successful campaign on the ATP Tour, adding a US Open title to a resume that already included a run to the Australian Open semi-finals, a Wimbledon final appearance, and a deep run at the French Open. While the German has benefited from injury absences that sidelined rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz—who dominated the major landscape over the previous two seasons—analysts point to a distinctly strengthened mentality and elite physical conditioning as the primary drivers of his breakthrough.
Peers Hail Zverev as Sport’s Premier Athlete
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, placed Zverev at the very pinnacle of the sport’s physical hierarchy.
“There is no-one as fit as Zverev, he is right up there,” former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“You can argue about Alcaraz and Sinner, and Novak [Djokovic] and Rafa [Nadal] when they were in their prime physically, but Zverev is right up there as one of the best athletes to play the sport.”
Early Survival Sparks Championship Run
The path to the title was far from straightforward. Zverev was pushed to five sets in each of his opening two matches, with both contests concluding in the early hours of the New York morning. He stood just two points from a first-round exit before rallying to survive. That escape proved the catalyst for a dominant second week; from the third round onward, he did not drop a single set until the championship match.
Composure Under Fire in the Final
Facing a fiercely partisan crowd supporting American Ben Shelton in the final, Zverev refused to buckle. He deliberately kept his emotions in check throughout the contest. Even after dropping the third set, he never relinquished his tactical grip on the match, closing out the victory in four sets.
Croft Describes ‘Zen-Like’ Trance State
Former British No. 1 Annabel Croft was struck by the unusual psychological state Zverev maintained during the decisive moments.
“I’m so admiring of his strength of character and the zen-like state he’s been in since the very beginning of the match,” said former British number one Annabel Croft. “The most extraordinary thing – and I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed it – was that he didn’t realise he had won.”
“It was so bizarre, but it was like he was in a trance-like state while he was playing.”
Britain’s Alfie Hewett captured his fifth US Open men’s wheelchair singles title on Sunday, defeating top seed Tokito Oda 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) in the final at Flushing Meadows. The victory denied the Japanese star a calendar-year Grand Slam sweep in 2026 and added to the doubles crown Hewett secured alongside fellow Briton Gordon Reid on Friday.
Redemption after Wimbledon heartbreak
The 28-year-old entered the final having lost to Oda in the championship matches at both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this season. At SW19, Hewett managed just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 defeat, while Oda also triumphed at January’s Australian Open to complete the first three legs of the calendar-year Grand Slam.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Hewett revealed that his Wimbledon loss prompted deep self-reflection. He said it made him “look in the mirror” and led to a period of reflection where he wanted to “be a little bit more like me” as he chased an 11th Grand Slam singles title.
Hewett reclaims his aggressive identity
“I’m known for being just as fearless, brave and courageous in big moments and I felt I was everything but that in Wimbledon,” Hewett said. “I was quiet, I was timid, I was a shell of myself.”
“I think I have had six weeks of champing at the bit to come out and prove to myself that I can be more like that person.”
Dominant start and dramatic finish
Hewett described his first-set performance as “possessed.” After saving a break point in the opening game, he produced a commanding display to take the opener 6-0, capped by a superb backhand return winner.
The second set proved far tighter. Oda built a double-break lead and held three set points to force a decider, but Hewett fought back to force a tie-break, where he ultimately prevailed 7-5 to seal the championship.
Oda gracious in defeat
Oda, who arrived in New York having won the previous six Grand Slam singles titles, acknowledged the magnitude of the missed opportunity during the on-court ceremony.
“Definitely I was trying to get the calendar year [Grand Slam] this year. This was the last part of it so it’s really tough for me, but I think Alfie deserved it today.”
Skupski and Harrison Capture US Open Men’s Doubles Title for Second Grand Slam Trophy
Britain’s Neal Skupski and American partner Christian Harrison clinched the US Open men’s doubles championship on Sunday, securing their second Grand Slam title together as a pairing. The fifth-seeded duo dominated the tournament in New York without dropping a single set, defeating sixth seeds Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz of Germany 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Redemption After Previous Heartbreak
The victory adds to the pair’s Australian Open triumph in January, which marked their first major title as a team. For Skupski, the win represents significant redemption after a devastating loss in the 2023 US Open final. Partnering with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury last year, Skupski missed three championship points in a crushing defeat. He also fell short in the 2022 final alongside Dutchman Wesley Koolhof.
Salisbury subsequently took a hiatus from tennis due to anxiety, prompting Skupski to form a new partnership with Harrison—a decision that has now yielded two major trophies in less than a year.
Dramatic Finish on Arthur Ashe Stadium
Cheered on by a Flushing Meadows crowd rallying behind home favorite Harrison, the pair produced a clutch performance in a tightly contested second-set tiebreak. After saving a set point, Skupski sealed the championship with a decisive smash at the net, dropping to his knees in celebration before embracing his partner.
“I don’t know what to say really, I’m still in shock. The speech gets a little bit easier once you’ve won,” said Skupski.
“Losing twice and having championship points in the final last year was a tough part of my career, but it’s amazing what a year does in tennis.”
Match Breakdown: Clinical First Set, Nerve-Wracking Second
Skupski and Harrison secured the only break of the match in the opening set, with Harrison unleashing a backhand winner down the line to move ahead 4-3 before serving out the set 6-4. The second set remained on serve throughout, heading to a tiebreak where Puetz and Krawietz gained a set point after a net-cord return wrong-footed Harrison.
The Anglo-American duo saved that critical point, then earned championship point as the atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium intensified. Skupski’s finishing volley sparked wild celebrations, capping a flawless fortnight for the fifth seeds.
Skupski’s Growing Grand Slam Legacy
The Flushing Meadows triumph marks Skupski’s third men’s doubles Grand Slam title. He previously captured the Wimbledon championship in 2023 alongside Koolhof. Additionally, Skupski boasts two mixed doubles major titles, winning Wimbledon in 2021 and 2022 with American partner Desirae Krawczyk.
For Harrison, the US Open crown represents a career-defining moment on home soil, solidifying a partnership that has quickly become one of the most formidable in men’s doubles tennis.
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.
Arthur Fery narrowly missed out on a seeding at the US Open, which are awarded to the top 32 players, leaving the British player at risk of facing one of the leading stars in New York.
Fery will play 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti, an excellent returner and slick mover who must be considered among the title favourites in a wide-open men’s draw.
Musetti reached the US Open quarter-finals last year and has gone a step further at both the French Open and Wimbledon in recent seasons. The 24-year-old also reached the Australian Open quarter-finals in January.
A thigh injury ruled Musetti out of the French Open and Wimbledon, but he has shown signs of rediscovering his best form with quarter-final appearances in Washington and Cincinnati.
“Some weeks you get good draws, some weeks you get tougher draws – it is how it is,” said Fery.
“I missed out by one spot on a seeded position and then I draw the 13th seed – it’s a bit unfortunate but some things go your way and some things don’t. “I still feel I have my chances in that match-up if I prepare and play well.”
Whatever happens against Musetti, it will be intriguing to see how Fery fares over the coming months after earning a new level of attention.
There has already been considerable discussion about whether the 5ft 9in Londoner’s stature could limit his progress on an ATP Tour where taller players tend to thrive.
“I don’t think Arthur’s height has to be something which we sit here and worry about,” says Michael Bourne, the Lawn Tennis Association’s performance director.
“He has great ball speed – whether off the ground or from the serve, he’s an amazing decision-maker and a very good athlete. “He’s earned the right for us not to put a ceiling on him. He’s a talented young man and there is a lot to be excited about – let’s see how far he can go.”
Naomi Osaka’s performance during Monday night’s session was less polished, but the Japanese 13th seed dug deep to defeat Anastasia Zakharova and reach the second round.
The former world No. 1, who won the US Open at Flushing Meadows in 2018 and 2020, made a strong start before facing a determined fightback from Zakharova.
Osaka broke serve at the first opportunity to move 2-0 ahead in the opening set. Although she could not convert another chance to take a 4-0 lead, she appeared comfortable after moving 5-2 in front.
Zakharova responded with resilience, forcing the set into a tie-break. The 22-year-old also recovered from another early break in the second set, but Osaka’s powerful serve proved decisive.
Osaka established a commanding 5-1 lead in the second tie-break and completed the victory shortly before 00:30 local time, avoiding the need for a deciding set.
Osaka will face Czech Republic player Katerina Siniakova in the second round and promised fans another surprise with her outfit.
“I wanted to play well because I wanted to show you guys some more outfits,” she said.
“I love expressing myself through clothes – because I don’t like talking too much.”
Novak Djokovic has repeatedly silenced doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. But his latest US Open defeat has raised fresh questions about the 39-year-old’s future after an emotional first-round exit in New York.
Djokovic was once again challenged to prove himself after falling outside the world’s top 20 during a two-year drought without a major title in 2018. He responded by winning four of the next five Grand Slam tournaments, taking his total to 12 majors over the following six years.
Djokovic suffers emotional US Open defeat
Three years have passed since Djokovic won his men’s record 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open. On Sunday night, however, the Serbian struggled to find a response as he fought back tears during his latest match at Flushing Meadows.
Facing the prospect of his first opening-round Grand Slam defeat since 2006, one of the greatest players in tennis history was beaten 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 by Argentina’s Navone.
Djokovic has spent years defying the effects of time and, at times, appeared to be improving with age. That was evident at this year’s Wimbledon, where he defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime, 14 years his junior, in a five-set quarter-final that became the longest in the tournament’s history.
Even in his late 30s, Djokovic remained one of the players capable of challenging Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the leading forces in men’s tennis.
At the Australian Open in January, Djokovic ended Sinner’s bid for a third consecutive title with a remarkable five-set comeback victory. He then took the opening set against Alcaraz in the final before fading to a four-set defeat.
Australian Open may be Djokovic’s best remaining chance
Following early exits in Paris and New York, there is an inevitable sense that Melbourne represented Djokovic’s strongest opportunity to win an outright record 25th major title and add another landmark to a career unmatched by almost every statistical measure.
Djokovic was despondent after the match, saying he “despised every moment I spent on the court for that”.
“When it comes to the match itself, and the overall feeling of how I felt with my body and playing, it was really not enjoyable,” Djokovic said.
“But, from the perspective of the crowd and support, it was incredible.”
“I’m very sorry that I didn’t perform as well as I should have, could have, or wanted – for them.”
The US Open has become the center of the tennis world. With the 2026 edition underway in New York, the early stages of the tournament have delivered plenty of drama in an event that combines elite tennis with mass transportation, high-priced tickets and activities beyond the main grounds.
The first major upset was the elimination of world No. 4 Novak Djokovic, who was knocked out in the opening round of the tournament for the first time after losing to Argentine tennis player Mariano Navone.
Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open for the first time.
As expected, the US Open has once again brought together the biggest names in international tennis. Among them are two leading Latin American figures who arrived in New York with very different stories but the same passion for the sport: Spain’s Paula Badosa and Colombia’s Emiliana Arango.
We spoke with both players. Badosa is preparing to return to the court on Tuesday, September 1, to face Daria Kasatkina, while Arango has already ended her campaign after suffering a defeat against China’s Xiyu Wang on August 30.
Paula Badosa returns to New York with Spain in her heart
Paula Badosa remains in contention at the US Open.
New York holds a special place for Paula Badosa. The Spanish tennis player has made no secret of her excitement at returning to one of the most important tournaments on the calendar, especially while carrying the pride of representing her country.
“Obviamente. Súper feliz de estar aquí. Me encanta este Grand Slam. Es el último del año con muchas ganas y aún más representando a España. Sabes que soy una persona que está muy orgullosa de mi país y bueno, hace poco España ganó aquí, así que espero que se repita un poco con el tenis”, dijo la tenista en exclusiva a ¡HOLA! durante sus prácticas en el US Open.
Her presence at the tournament also represents the continuation of a difficult journey. Badosa has dealt with injuries and emotionally challenging periods, but she says her desire to keep competing and enjoy stages such as the US Open has kept her moving forward.
“No ha sido fácil. Obviamente lesiones, emocionalmente he pasado por muchas cosas, pero bueno, al final también una cosa que me caracteriza es que sigo luchando, que al final tengo la ilusión de estar en estos sitios y al final puede ganar más eso que los momentos malos”, nos explica.
Throughout that process, her inner circle has played a fundamental role. For the Spanish player, having people around her who know and protect her and who have supported her through different stages has been essential to reaching this point again.
“Para haber llegado hasta aquí es clave, ¿no? Al final es la gente que está en mi entorno, es la gente que me protege, que me entiende, que quiere lo mejor para mí. Al final yo creo que eso es lo más importante, gente que me ha visto por todos los momentos y obviamente también tengo que decir que tengo unos fans increíbles que siempre me apoyan muchísimo, la verdad, y que este año les he hecho sufrir más que disfrutar. Pero espero que ahora también pues les haga disfrutar un poquito”, agregó Badosa.
The Spanish player has high expectations for this tournament.
Outside the court, Badosa’s personality is also reflected in her passion for fashion. Her looks have attracted attention throughout her career, and the tennis player acknowledges that choosing what to wear is another way she enjoys her day-to-day life.
“Bueno, soy un poco así de cómo me levanto, pero siempre me ha gustado el fashion y y toda la moda, entonces la disfruto mucho. Y sí va un poco depende del día, pero es algo que también me hace sentir bien y creo que es importante en general, pero sobre todo como mujer”, puntualizó.
Reading is another of her interests. Her preferences include athletes’ biographies and books that offer tools for dealing with life’s different challenges.
“Pues como fan, y siempre lo voy a decir de Rafa, me encantó, me encantó su documental porque creo que transmite muchas cosas, que es una inspiración. Y obviamente también te puedo leer novelas o cosas así, pero también me gusta mucho cosas que me ayuden, libros de autoayuda”, destacó Badosa, asegurando que al final es lo que más va a nutrirla como persona.
Emiliana Arango fulfills a dream at the US Open
Emiliana Arango is one of Colombia’s young tennis prospects.
For Colombian tennis player Emiliana Arango, competing in New York meant fulfilling a dream that began when she was a child. Arango started playing tennis at the age of three and, after years of training, tournaments, sacrifices and travel, had the opportunity to experience firsthand what she had watched on television for so long.
Although Arango lost to China’s Wang on August 30, her tournament experience represents far more than a sporting result.
“Es algo muy lindo. Es muy difícil de poner en palabras. Es un sueño cumplido. Uno veía sus torneos en televisión y poder ser capaz de venir y disfrutarlos es algo muy especial”, dijo a ¡HOLA! en exclusiva durante sus prácticas en las canchas del US Open.
Emiliana Arango lost in the first round of the US Open to Xinyu Wang, but she still has a long career ahead of her.
Behind every match is a demanding routine, from waking up early to deal with New York traffic to training and monitoring her nutrition.
“En un torneo así entrenamos más o menos dos horas al día. Hago tal vez depende el día, qué tan cerca esté de jugar. Hago un poco de gimnasio, después ir a donde los fisios a que lo traten a uno, tratar de poner el cuerpo lo mejor posible. Tratamos de ponerle mucho enfoque a la alimentación y a la hidratación, para tratar de que el cuerpo se recupere lo mejor posible y pueda estar al 100% el día del partido”, nos explicó.
For Arango, having family and loved ones nearby also makes a tennis tournament that can feel endless more manageable.
“Es demasiado importante, sobre todo en el calendario porque se va haciendo muy largo. Pasas mucho tiempo por fuera, a veces mucho tiempo solo. Justo eso estaba hablando un poco con mi familia, ver en donde tal vez alguno tiene vacaciones o semana libre que tal vez me quisieran pegar en algún torneo, porque hace mucha diferencia poderlos tener cerca y sentir el apoyo de ellos”, finalizó la tenista.
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.
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