Daily News 19

Tag: US Open

  • Coco Gauff Falls as US Open Women’s Final Loses Last American

    Coco Gauff Falls as US Open Women’s Final Loses Last American

    Coco Gauff entered Arthur Ashe Stadium as the clear crowd favorite for her U.S. Open semifinal against world No. 1 Elena Rybakina, with high-profile spectators including former First Lady Michelle Obama watching from the stands. The American started brightly, absorbing relentless pressure from the baseline and drawing errors from the Kazakh powerhouse to break in the sixth game and claim the opening set amid a roaring atmosphere.

    Momentum shifts as Rybakina finds composure

    Despite the partisan support, Gauff could not maintain her early dominance. The match turned at 5-5 in the second set, when Gauff failed to level proceedings on her own serve. Pressure — a recurring theme in Gauff’s career — appeared to resurface at the critical juncture. When her focus sharpens on aggressive shot-making, utilizing her powerful backhand and forward movement, she is exceptionally difficult to contain. However, the weight of the occasion seemed to inhibit that freedom, making the eventual defeat more painful after such a commanding start.

    Rybakina’s stoic resilience proves decisive

    Across the net, Rybakina projected almost no emotion regardless of the scoreline. Her composure was striking, particularly in an environment firmly behind her opponent. She maintained that steady approach even after dropping the first set, gradually asserting control with her heavy hitting. The decisive stretch arrived in the third set, where Rybakina broke for a 5-3 lead. Gauff responded immediately with a break of her own, but her comeback bid collapsed when she could not hold serve, handing Rybakina the final break and the match.

    It was a heartbreaking exit for Gauff, who left the court visibly emotional, her expression bordering on tears. The contest had hung in the balance until the final games, yet the opportunity slipped away on a day that left the United States without a home representative in the women’s final.

  • Why Collagen Is Trending at the US Open

    Why Collagen Is Trending at the US Open

    Vital Proteins has been named the Official Collagen Partner of the 2026 US Open, marking a significant collaboration between the wellness brand and one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments. The partnership brings Vital Proteins’ approach to everyday wellness to a global stage, connecting collagen supplementation with the high-performance demands of professional tennis.

    Wellness Meets Grand Slam Tennis

    The multi-year agreement positions Vital Proteins as a central part of the 2026 US Open experience. As the Official Collagen Partner, the brand will integrate its products and wellness messaging throughout the tournament, reaching millions of fans both on-site at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and across global broadcast and digital platforms.

    This collaboration reflects a growing trend in sports sponsorships, where nutrition and recovery brands align with major athletic events to highlight the role of daily wellness in peak performance. Vital Proteins, known for its collagen peptides, powders, and ready-to-drink beverages, aims to showcase how collagen supports joint health, muscle recovery, and overall mobility—key concerns for athletes and active consumers alike.

    Expanding the Wellness Conversation

    The partnership puts collagen and daily nutrition at the forefront of the tennis conversation, moving beyond traditional sports drinks and energy gels into the realm of structural health and long-term vitality. For the 2026 US Open, Vital Proteins plans to activate through on-site sampling, athlete engagement, digital content, and fan experiences designed to educate attendees on the benefits of consistent collagen intake.

    With the 2026 tournament set to draw top players and a worldwide audience, the alliance offers Vital Proteins a high-visibility platform to reinforce its position as a leader in the collagen category while supporting the USTA’s commitment to player health and fan wellness.

  • Paige Spiranac Steals Show at US Open Watching Coco Gauff

    Paige Spiranac Steals Show at US Open Watching Coco Gauff

    Social media personality and former professional golfer Paige Spiranac attended the 2026 US Open on Wednesday, swapping the fairways for a courtside seat at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Her visit coincided with one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament: Coco Gauff’s quarterfinal comeback against Mirra Andreeva.

    Spiranac Documents US Open Experience

    Spiranac shared several photographs from her day at Flushing Meadows, including courtside views from Arthur Ashe Stadium. She wore a sleeveless blue-and-white checkered top with matching trousers for the occasion. The appearance was connected to a brand partnership, with Spiranac thanking skincare company La Roche-Posay for hosting her.

    Across her Instagram story, she wrote: “US Open. One of my favorite events! Thanks to @lararocheposayusa for a great day!”

    Gauff Saves Two Match Points to Reach Semifinals

    The timing of Spiranac’s visit proved fortuitous. She witnessed No. 4 seed Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, recover from a first-set deficit to defeat fifth-seeded Andreeva 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2. The American saved two match points during the second-set tiebreak before taking control of the decider.

    The quarterfinal hung in the balance when Andreeva earned her first match point at 6-5 in the tiebreak, and a second at 7-6. Gauff refused to yield, eventually forcing a third set and pulling away from the 19-year-old to complete the comeback in two hours and 19 minutes. The victory marked Gauff’s first US Open semifinal appearance since her 2023 championship run.

    Gauff Credits Resilience and Tiafoe Inspiration

    After the match, Gauff reflected on her ability to navigate high-pressure moments: “I think I’ve learned a lot. I’ve played a few tie-breaks this year and I’ve learned from them.”

    She also revealed that Frances Tiafoe’s extraordinary comeback victory the previous day provided motivation when she faced elimination against Andreeva. “I was just really determined to not lose that second set,” Gauff said, according to the official US Open website. “I mean, sometimes you just need a little bit of inspiration, and Frances was that for me in that moment.”

    Strong Summer Continues for American Star

    The win extended Gauff’s remarkable record in three-set Grand Slam matches this year to 20-4 and continued a strong summer that included another Cincinnati title. Her reward is a semifinal meeting with Elena Rybakina, who became the new world No. 1 after defeating Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals. The other women’s semifinal features Aryna Sabalenka against Jessica Pegula.

    Influencer Presence at the US Open

    For Spiranac, who has built a large following by combining golf content, sports commentary, and lifestyle posts, the day offered a chance to experience the US Open from a different sporting perspective. Her appearance comes as the tournament draws increasing attention from influencers and celebrities.

    Gauff herself recently addressed the growing influencer presence at the US Open, stating she had no issue with their attendance as long as proper tennis etiquette was respected. Spiranac’s visit appeared to align with the fan-and-guest side of that equation, with her social posts documenting an afternoon spent enjoying the tennis and celebrating one of the tournament’s biggest American stars.

    After witnessing Gauff escape two match points and reach the semifinals, Spiranac certainly picked an unforgettable day to visit Flushing Meadows.

  • Carlos Alcaraz Waves Off Cameraman After Feeling Urge to Vomit Into Towel

    Carlos Alcaraz Waves Off Cameraman After Feeling Urge to Vomit Into Towel

    Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated remarkable resilience during his US Open return after nearly five months sidelined by a right wrist injury, pushing Ben Shelton to the limit in a historic, grueling encounter. Despite the Spaniard’s valiant effort, the American prevailed in a match that rewrote the tournament record books.

    Record-Breaking Marathon Ends After 3 a.m.

    The quarterfinal clash lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, establishing a new benchmark for the longest match in US Open history. Play concluded in the early hours of the morning in New York, with both competitors visibly exhausted by the extreme physical demands.

    Alcaraz Battles Physical Distress On Court

    The toll on Alcaraz became strikingly apparent during the fourth set. The Spaniard vomited twice into a towel, a moment that underscored the severe physiological strain. Notably, he managed to signal to a courtside cameraman to move away before becoming ill, even appearing to alert the chair umpire to his need for space, though the broadcast still captured the scene.

    Medical experts note that on-court vomiting is a stark indicator of the body reaching its breaking point, essentially signaling the athlete to stop. Alcaraz, however, refused to yield.

    Fighting Spirit Forces Deciding Tiebreak

    Displaying immense mental fortitude, Alcaraz rallied from fatigue to force a tiebreak when his body language suggested he was spent. The final set remained tightly contested, with both players holding serve until a super tiebreak decided the outcome. Alcaraz saved three critical break points that would have allowed Shelton to serve for the match at 5-3, extending the drama until the very last point.

    Grace in Defeat and a Look Ahead

    At the net, Alcaraz congratulated his opponent, telling him he deserved the victory. In his post-match assessment, the Spaniard expressed pride in his performance level after such a prolonged absence from competition.

    The result guarantees an American finalist on Sunday. Ben Shelton will face compatriot Frances Tiafoe on Friday for a place in the championship match.

  • Ben Shelton forgets Trinity Rodman in his US Open shout-out

    Ben Shelton forgets Trinity Rodman in his US Open shout-out

    Ben Shelton Stuns Carlos Alcaraz in Late-Night US Open Marathon to Reach Semifinals

    Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set thriller at the US Open, clinching match point at 3:33 a.m. to secure his second career semifinal appearance at Flushing Meadows. The late-night finish capped a dramatic quarterfinal clash that stretched deep into the early morning hours.

    Shelton Thanks Fans, Family—But Forgets Girlfriend Trinity Rodman

    During his on-court interview after the victory, Shelton thanked the crowd for staying up to witness the finish. He gave a special shout-out to his sister and best friend, noting they had to report for work at 6 a.m. and playfully urging their employers to give them the day off.

    Noticeably absent from his list of acknowledgments was his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, who was sitting in the player’s box. Cameras caught Rodman’s reaction as she realized she had been omitted, delivering a perfect “What about me?” expression that instantly went viral on social media.

    Rodman’s Reaction Steals the Post-Match Spotlight

    Rodman’s visible surprise quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. The NWSL standout and USWNT forward was in attendance to support Shelton, and her candid response added a lighthearted human element to the intense athletic achievement.

    Shelton Advances to Face Next Opponent in Semifinals

    With the win, the 21-year-old American moves on to the semifinals, where he will look to continue his deep run at his home Grand Slam. The victory over Alcaraz, a two-time major champion, marks the biggest win of Shelton’s young career and signals his arrival as a legitimate contender on the sport’s biggest stages.

  • Coco Gauff’s Boyfriend: Is the Tennis Star Dating Anyone?

    Coco Gauff’s Boyfriend: Is the Tennis Star Dating Anyone?

    Coco Gauff has largely kept her personal life private, but her relationship with Jalen Sera returned to public attention during the 2026 US Open. Observers noted shifts in the couple’s social media activity, prompting widespread speculation about a possible breakup. Neither Gauff nor Sera has issued an official statement confirming a split.

    Relationship Timeline: From Private Start to Public Reveal

    Gauff and Sera began dating in June 2023. For much of their early relationship, Gauff declined to identify her partner publicly, only mentioning that he was from Atlanta and did not play tennis professionally. In a 2024 interview with TIME, she explained the significance of dating someone outside her sport.

    “This is my first real relationship,” she said. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective.”

    An unusual family connection also emerged: Gauff’s mother, Candi, revealed she had taught Sera in fourth grade and remembered him as a “smart, nice kid.”

    The couple remained out of the spotlight for two years. In June 2025, Gauff confirmed the relationship in a Bose promotional video, sharing an anniversary audio message from Sera and posting a photo of them together on social media. Sera has been described as a key support figure for Gauff, particularly after difficult losses, helping her maintain a positive outlook.

    Breakup Rumors Surface in August 2026

    Speculation intensified in August 2026 when fans noticed Gauff had removed photos of Sera from her Instagram account. She also shared TikTok posts addressing relationships, including one about finding happiness with or without a partner.

    On August 16, Sera posted a photo dump on Instagram with a caption that fueled further conjecture.

    No stringssssss.

    Despite the social media signals, no direct confirmation of a breakup has come from either party.

    This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on September 9, 2026, in the Tennis section.

  • Meet Coco Gauff’s Two Younger Brothers, Codey and Cameron

    Meet Coco Gauff’s Two Younger Brothers, Codey and Cameron

    Coco Gauff’s Brothers: Everything to Know About Codey and Cameron Gauff

    Tennis champion Coco Gauff has captured Grand Slam titles on the court, but off the court she holds a role she cherishes just as deeply: big sister to Codey and Cameron Gauff. Born to parents Corey and Candi Gauff on March 13, 2004, in Atlanta, Coco is the eldest of three siblings. Her brothers — Codey, born September 21, 2007, and Cameron, born June 5, 2013 — have been her constant support system throughout her rise to the top of women’s tennis.

    A Family Rooted in Athletics

    Before Cameron was born, the Gauff family relocated from Atlanta to Delray Beach, Florida, to be near Candi’s parents. The move was strategic. Recognizing Coco’s athletic potential, Corey told Teen Vogue the family made “no-regret moves” to support her development. Corey, a former basketball player at Georgia State University, became Coco’s full-time coach, while Candi, a standout track and field athlete at Florida State University, took on homeschooling duties for all three children.

    Sports were non-negotiable in the Gauff household. Each child was required to play at least one sport. Coco chose tennis. Codey pursued competitive baseball, and Cameron balanced multiple sports, including football and tennis.

    Codey Gauff: Competitive Baseball Standout

    Codey, the middle child, has followed the family’s competitive tradition on the diamond. He played high school baseball with Elite Squad Academy, a program that blends in-person and homeschool learning with elite athletic training. In October 2024, Codey announced his commitment to play baseball at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) as part of the 2026 recruiting class.

    Cameron Gauff: Youngest Sibling and Sneaker Designer

    Cameron, the youngest, has already left his mark on Coco’s professional journey. According to his mother, Cameron loves to color and draw — a hobby that led to a creative collaboration with New Balance in 2023. He helped design a new colorway for Coco’s signature sneaker line.

    Coco told PEOPLE that Cameron wasn’t initially certain the project was official, but “he kind of put two and two together.” She added, “He was really excited. He wears the shoes all the time.”

    Brothers Are Her “Why”

    Following her 2025 French Open victory, Coco told Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts that her brothers are her primary motivation.

    “The support that I have is amazing. My brothers are the reason why I do it,” Coco said. “Codey always reminds me of the belief and having that cockiness. Cameron always reminds me to just be joyful in the things I do. I truly learn a lot from everyone around me.”

    US Open Triumph and Family Thanks

    After winning her first US Open title in 2023, Coco used her championship speech to acknowledge her family — including her critics.

    “To those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it. Now I’m really burning so bright right now.”

    She also made sure to thank her brothers directly: “I want to thank my grandparents who are home and my brothers,” she said.

    Proud Siblings Behind the Scenes

    In a 2023 interview with Today hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, Coco revealed her brothers were the first people she tried to call after her Grand Slam win.

    “Both my brothers were the first two people I called,” she said, before revealing, “They didn’t answer.”

    She laughed and continued, “Finally, my brother called me back, but by then the ceremony had started. He was like, ‘I was running around the house, and I didn’t hear my phone ring.’ “ Coco said the boys later acted “too cool for school,” but videos showed them “running around the house going crazy” with pride.

    A Bond That Withstands Fame

    By September 2026, Cameron had become Coco’s most reliable lifeline.

    “Have you seen those memes where it’s like, ‘Who can you call right now for a billion dollars?’ ” she asked while speaking to PEOPLE in September 2026. “That’s definitely my youngest brother, Cameron. I know he’ll always pick up.”

    Codey echoed that closeness during the 2026 MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix.

    “The way we go at each other, you would think we’re not related,” he told the MLB. “That’s kind of our bond. It doesn’t matter how many followers she has or how much fame I have, that’s just how close we’ve been since we were young. We were taught to be your siblings’ biggest supporter. So that’s what we do.”

    What’s Next for Coco Gauff

    Coco is now targeting a second US Open crown. She is set to face Mirra Andreeva in the 2026 US Open quarterfinals on September 9.

  • 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.

  • Frances Tiafoe’s Girlfriend Ayan Teases US Open Schedule from Bed

    Frances Tiafoe’s Girlfriend Ayan Teases US Open Schedule from Bed

    Frances Tiafoe understands that professional tennis demands far more physical exertion than life as a social media influencer. Yet his girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, playfully highlighted the contrast in schedules during the U.S. Open.

    Broomfield’s Viral Instagram Post Captures Pre-Match Moment

    On Monday, one day before Tiafoe faced fellow American Alex Michelsen in a U.S. Open quarterfinal, Broomfield shared a video to her 113,000 Instagram followers. The clip opened with her lying in bed, looking toward Tiafoe standing in the doorway of their hotel room dressed in full tennis attire. She lip-synced a voiceover that said, “Bye, Sophia, see you later! Have a good day, Sophia!”

    Broomfield wore a wry smile as she pointed at Tiafoe, while the U.S. Open’s No. 11 seed shook his head and walked away. The post carried the caption: “saying goodbye to my man knowing he has to play at the us open for five hours meanwhile i have a 45 second cutesy grwm to edit.”

    Social Media Reaction and Tournament Context

    The post exploded online, surpassing 1 million views within its first hour. Engagement is expected to climb further ahead of Tiafoe’s Tuesday match.

    While content creation presents its own challenges, Broomfield’s lighthearted comparison underscores the grueling nature of Grand Slam competition. Tiafoe’s path to the semifinals hinges on defeating Michelsen, a win that would validate the long hours on court.

    Ayan Broomfield poses at the Cadillac Suite during the US Open 2026 tournament on Sept. 4, 2026, in Queens County, NY. BFA.com / BACKGRID
    Frances Tiafoe competes during the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, on Sept. 6, 2026.
    Frances Tiafoe competes during the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, on Sept. 6, 2026. BACKGRID
  • Top-Seeded Zverev Advances to US Open Quarterfinals; Tien Ousted

    Top-Seeded Zverev Advances to US Open Quarterfinals; Tien Ousted

    Zverev Advances to US Open Quarterfinals

    Top-seeded Alexander Zverev defeated No. 21 Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3) on Monday night to reach the quarterfinals of the US Open.

    Zverev’s Path and Next Opponent

    Zverev, who has won his past two matches in straight sets after opening the tournament with a pair of five-set marathons, will next face Botic Van De Zandschulp. Van De Zandschulp advanced after outlasting Arthur Gea 3-6, 6-7 (0), 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3), 6-4 in 5 hours, 13 minutes, the fourth-longest match in US Open history.

    Gea’s Near Historic Run

    Gea, a Frenchman who entered the tournament as a lucky loser after 2022 runner-up Casper Ruud withdrew with a back injury, held a match point in the third-set tiebreaker. He was bidding to become the first lucky loser to reach the quarterfinals of a men’s major.

    Khachanov Survives Five-Set Battle Against Tien

    Also going five sets — though a shorter 3 hours, 50 minutes — was Karen Khachanov’s 7-5, 4-6, 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-4 victory over No. 14 Learner Tien. Tien was attempting to give the host country four men in the US Open quarterfinals for the first time since five Americans achieved the feat in 1995. No. 8 Ben Shelton, No. 11 Frances Tiafoe, and Alex Michelsen all advanced on Sunday, along with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

    Khachanov to Face Blockx in Quarterfinals

    Khachanov will play No. 28 seed Alexander Blockx, who defeated No. 24 Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 to become the first man from Belgium to reach the US Open quarterfinals.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.