The 2026 US Open rolls on Tuesday in New York, and if you’re looking for one of those days when you can turn on the television in the morning and still be watching meaningful tennis late at night, this is it.
Day 3 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows completes the first round of the men’s and women’s singles draws. The schedule includes several of the biggest names in American tennis, including Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys, plus men’s No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev, Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva, Gael Monfils and rising Filipino star Alex Eala.
And Tuesday has already given us plenty to talk about.
Madison Keys and Taylor Fritz have moved safely into the second round, Flavio Cobolli survived an extraordinary five-set battle, and rain has created headaches across the outside courts. The biggest attractions are still ahead, with Gauff scheduled for the Arthur Ashe Stadium night session and Zverev following her later tonight.
Here’s everything U.S. viewers need to know about today’s US Open schedule, results, TV coverage, streaming options and the matches worth staying up for.
Content
US Open 2026 Today: Quick Guide
Here are the basics for Tuesday, September 1.
| Details | US Open 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, September 1, 2026 |
| Tournament day | Day 3 |
| Singles round | First Round |
| Location | USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Queens, New York |
| Day coverage begins | Around 11 a.m. ET |
| ESPN TV coverage | 11:30 a.m. ET |
| Primetime coverage | 7 p.m. ET |
| Main U.S. channels | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes |
| Streaming | ESPN App / ESPN Unlimited |
| Featured night match | Coco Gauff vs. Zeynep Sonmez |
| Later on Ashe | Alexander Zverev vs. Lorenzo Sonego |
ESPN’s official tournament coverage runs throughout Tuesday, including daytime action on ESPN, its new multi-court RedZone presentation through the ESPN App, a 6 p.m. preview show and primetime coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
What Time Does the US Open Start Today?
Play at Flushing Meadows gets underway around 11 a.m. Eastern Time on most courts, although weather has affected Tuesday’s schedule.
Arthur Ashe Stadium’s original day session began at 11:30 a.m. ET, while Louis Armstrong Stadium was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. ET.
For viewers elsewhere in the United States, that translates to:
| U.S. time zone | 11 a.m. ET start |
|---|---|
| Eastern | 11:00 a.m. |
| Central | 10:00 a.m. |
| Mountain | 9:00 a.m. |
| Pacific | 8:00 a.m. |
The night session begins at 7 p.m. ET, or 4 p.m. PT.
That means West Coast tennis fans can catch Coco Gauff in the late afternoon without having to stay up until midnight.
US Open 2026 Schedule Today: Arthur Ashe Stadium
Arthur Ashe Stadium has the biggest American names on Tuesday.
The original order of play is:
Madison Keys vs. Alina Korneeva
11:30 a.m. ET
Taylor Fritz vs. Darwin Blanch
After Keys
Coco Gauff vs. Zeynep Sonmez
7:00 p.m. ET
Alexander Zverev vs. Lorenzo Sonego
After Gauff
Reuters confirmed the four-match Ashe lineup, with Keys and Fritz comprising the day session before Gauff and Zverev take over under the lights.
The good news for fans watching from home is that the two daytime matches have already produced American victories.
US Open Results Today: Madison Keys Advances
Madison Keys is through.
The No. 22 seed defeated 19-year-old Alina Korneeva:
Madison Keys def. Alina Korneeva
7-5, 6-4
It wasn’t completely straightforward.
Keys had to work through some nerves and missed an opportunity to serve out the second set at 5-3, but she regrouped immediately and finished the match in straight sets.
For American fans, it was a nice way to start the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Keys has been around the biggest stages of American tennis for years, but first-round Grand Slam matches can still become uncomfortable very quickly. Getting through in two sets means she also avoids spending unnecessary hours on court this early in the tournament.
Taylor Fritz Cruises Into the Second Round
Taylor Fritz followed Keys onto Arthur Ashe and made quick work of fellow American Darwin Blanch.
Taylor Fritz def. Darwin Blanch
6-3, 6-2, 6-4
Fritz controlled the match in straight sets and became another American player safely through to Round 2.
This US Open is especially important for Fritz.
American men’s tennis has spent more than two decades waiting for another homegrown US Open singles champion. No American man has won the tournament since Andy Roddick in 2003.
Fritz reached the US Open final in 2024, so expectations around him at Flushing Meadows are understandably different now.
He isn’t just someone American fans hope will make the second week anymore.
He’s one of the players they genuinely believe can make a serious run.
Flavio Cobolli Survives a Five-Set Thriller
One of the best matches of Tuesday happened on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Fifth-seeded Flavio Cobolli looked to be heading out after dropping the first two sets to Francisco Comesana.
Instead, Cobolli completed a remarkable comeback:
Flavio Cobolli def. Francisco Comesana
3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
The match lasted four hours and 13 minutes, with Cobolli recovering from two sets down for the first time in his career.
That’s exactly the sort of match that makes the first week of the US Open so entertaining.
There are matches happening everywhere, favorites suddenly find themselves in trouble, and what looks like a routine early-round contest turns into a five-set marathon.
Coco Gauff Plays Tonight at 7 p.m. ET
For American viewers, this is probably the match of the day.
Coco Gauff vs. Zeynep Sonmez
Date: Tuesday, September 1
Time: 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. MT / 4 p.m. PT
Court: Arthur Ashe Stadium
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited / ESPN App
Gauff begins her 2026 US Open campaign against Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez. The match opens the Arthur Ashe Stadium night session.
Gauff remains one of the most recognizable players in American tennis and, naturally, the atmosphere should change considerably once she walks onto Ashe.
She won the US Open in 2023, becoming a Grand Slam champion at just 19.
Since then, Aryna Sabalenka has won the tournament in both 2024 and 2025, so Gauff now arrives in New York trying to reclaim the championship she once lifted in front of the home crowd.
Who Is Zeynep Sonmez?
Sonmez shouldn’t be treated as simply a name filling the other side of the draw.
The Turkish player entered Tuesday ranked No. 53 in singles, while Gauff is ranked No. 4.
On paper, Gauff is the overwhelming favorite.
But the first round of a home Grand Slam carries its own pressures.
There will be an enormous crowd expecting Gauff to win. Every loose service game will be noticed. Every double fault will create noise.
The challenge for Gauff is less about producing her absolute best tennis and more about settling into the tournament without allowing expectations to become part of the match.
Alexander Zverev Begins His US Open Tonight
After Gauff, men’s top seed Alexander Zverev takes center stage.
Alexander Zverev vs. Lorenzo Sonego
Court: Arthur Ashe Stadium
Session: Night session
Scheduled after Gauff vs. Sonmez
The match was originally listed for approximately 8:10 p.m. ET, although the actual start depends on how long Gauff’s match takes.
Zverev comes into New York as the No. 1 seed and with considerably more attention on his half of the draw after one of the tournament’s earliest shocks.
Novak Djokovic is already out.
Novak Djokovic’s Stunning Exit Has Changed the Men’s Draw
One of the defining stories of this US Open happened before Tuesday even began.
Djokovic was eliminated in the first round by Mariano Navone in five sets:
Mariano Navone def. Novak Djokovic
7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1
The defeat was Djokovic’s first-ever first-round loss at the US Open. The men’s draw is also missing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who withdrew because of injury.
Suddenly, the tournament feels much more open.
Zverev’s path matters more.
Taylor Fritz’s path matters more.
And Carlos Alcaraz’s return becomes one of the biggest stories of the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz Is Already Safely Through
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t play Tuesday because he completed his first-round match Monday.
And considering what he has been through this season, the result was hugely encouraging.
Carlos Alcaraz def. Roman Safiullin
6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Alcaraz was playing his first singles match in 139 days after dealing with a wrist injury, yet he returned with a composed straight-sets victory.
Even more important than the score was how his body responded.
Alcaraz said afterward that he felt good physically, a major positive for a player trying to defend his US Open title after such a long absence.
His next opponent is Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the second round.
That match is part of Wednesday’s schedule.
Aryna Sabalenka Begins Her Three-Peat Bid With a Win
Women’s defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is also safely into Round 2.
Aryna Sabalenka def. Camila Osorio
6-2, 6-4
Sabalenka is attempting something special in New York: a third consecutive US Open women’s singles championship.
She will next face qualifier Polina Iatcenko in Wednesday’s second round, according to the tournament bracket.
Sabalenka’s run is one of the biggest storylines of the fortnight because winning the same major three years in a row is extraordinarily difficult in modern tennis.
Everyone in the draw knows who the defending champion is.
Everyone wants to be the player who ends the streak.
Naomi Osaka Also Advances
Naomi Osaka survived two extremely tight sets in her first-round match.
Naomi Osaka def. Anastasia Zakharova
7-6(6), 7-6(3)
The two-time US Open champion needed tiebreaks in both sets but ultimately found the points that mattered most.
Osaka now moves on to face Katerina Siniakova in Round 2.
And if you’re wondering whether Osaka once again brought a memorable US Open outfit to New York—the answer is yes.
Her entrance featured another elaborate tennis-fashion statement, this time drawing inspiration from NBA legend Allen Iverson.
At this point, Osaka’s US Open entrances have almost become an event of their own.
Louis Armstrong Stadium Schedule Today
Louis Armstrong Stadium also has a strong Tuesday lineup.
The original order of play featured:
- Francisco Comesana vs. Flavio Cobolli
- Mirra Andreeva vs. Janice Tjen
- Adolfo Daniel Vallejo vs. Gael Monfils
- Mary Stoiana vs. Alexandra Eala
Cobolli has already survived that five-set opener.
The later matches are worth watching for completely different reasons.
Mirra Andreeva Is Another Player to Watch
Fifth-seeded Mirra Andreeva faces Janice Tjen on Louis Armstrong.
Andreeva has gone from being described as a promising teenager to being treated as a legitimate threat at major tournaments.
That’s an important distinction.
At some point, young players stop receiving credit simply for reaching the later rounds. Expectations change.
Andreeva is reaching that stage.
If she gets through the early rounds efficiently, she becomes one of those players nobody wants to see appearing in their section of the draw.
Gael Monfils Brings His Show to Armstrong
Gael Monfils faces Adolfo Daniel Vallejo later on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Monfils remains one of the most entertaining players in tennis because you never really know what you’re going to get.
There will probably be athletic defense.
There may be ridiculous improvisation.
There could be a point that has absolutely no business being won but somehow ends with Monfils celebrating.
And New York crowds usually appreciate exactly that kind of tennis.
His match comes before Mary Stoiana and Alex Eala.
Alex Eala vs. Mary Stoiana Is a Fascinating Late Match
One of Tuesday night’s most intriguing matches for international tennis followers takes place on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Alexandra Eala vs. Mary Stoiana
Eala is the No. 17 seed, while Stoiana is an American qualifier making her US Open main-draw debut.
The match is scheduled fourth on Louis Armstrong Stadium, after Monfils vs. Vallejo. Because tennis matches don’t have fixed finishing times—and because Tuesday’s rain has already disrupted the schedule—viewers should treat any estimated start time as flexible.
An earlier listing placed the match at approximately 8:40 p.m. ET, but rain delays could push that back.
For American audiences, this is an interesting matchup because Stoiana is trying to turn a successful qualifying run into a breakthrough against one of the hottest young players on the WTA Tour.
Why Alex Eala Is Worth Watching Even for U.S. Fans
Eala enters the tournament seeded 17th after an impressive 2026 season.
She has climbed into the world’s top 20, won her first WTA title in Washington and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon.
That means she’s no longer arriving at majors as an interesting outsider.
She’s arriving as a seeded player who is expected to win matches.
Her potential path is also interesting.
If Eala beats Stoiana, she would face the winner of Oleksandra Oliynykova vs. Reese Brantmeier. American rising star Iva Jovic is also in her section, while a deeper run could eventually place Eala on course for a meeting with Coco Gauff.
That’s exactly why early-round matches matter.
The interesting matchups later in a Grand Slam are built from what happens on days like Tuesday.
Elena Rybakina Is Also in Action
Elena Rybakina opened her tournament Tuesday against 17-year-old American wild card Thea Frodin.
Rain delayed much of the outside-court action, but Rybakina eventually got onto court and quickly established control.
There were some fitness questions surrounding Rybakina after a recent injury, so her first match is worth watching beyond the score.
At a Slam, there’s a big difference between being healthy enough to start a tournament and being healthy enough to win seven matches.
The early rounds often tell us which one applies.
Rain Is a Major Story at the US Open Today
If you’re checking the schedule and wondering why a match hasn’t started when expected, you’re not imagining things.
Rain has disrupted Tuesday’s play.
Reuters reported persistent rain delaying outside-court matches, with organizers repeatedly pushing back projected start times. Matches under the roofs at Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong were able to continue while much of the rest of the grounds had to wait.
That creates a ripple effect.
A match originally scheduled for mid-afternoon may move into early evening.
A late-afternoon match can suddenly become a night match.
And players scheduled fourth or fifth on a court can find themselves waiting for hours.
So for Tuesday especially, think of non-Ashe start times as estimates rather than appointments.
US Open TV Schedule Today in the USA
ESPN is once again the main home of the US Open for U.S. viewers.
Here is Tuesday’s official coverage schedule.
| Time ET | Coverage | Channel/Platform |
|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | RedZone at the US Open | ESPN App |
| 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | First Round — Spanish | ESPN Deportes |
| 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m. | Day 3 First Round | ESPN |
| 6–7 p.m. | US Open Match Point | ESPN |
| 7–11 p.m. | Primetime at the US Open | ESPN |
| 7–11 p.m. | Primetime coverage | ESPN2 |
| 7–11 p.m. | First Round — Spanish | ESPN Deportes |
The simple version:
If you just want the biggest matches, turn on ESPN.
If you want to bounce around the grounds and follow several courts, streaming becomes much more useful.
How to Live Stream the US Open 2026
U.S. viewers can stream US Open coverage through ESPN’s digital platforms.
ESPN is making extensive court coverage available through the ESPN App, including its ESPN Unlimited offering.
One of the more interesting additions this year is:
RedZone at the US Open
Yes, the name is very intentional.
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET during the early rounds, ESPN’s RedZone-style presentation jumps between courts as important games, break points, set points and match points happen.
If you’re the type of tennis fan who gets frustrated because three good matches are happening at once, this is probably the closest thing to a solution.
Instead of choosing one court and discovering 40 minutes later that you missed a huge upset somewhere else, the broadcast moves you around the grounds.
Can You Watch the US Open Without Cable?
Yes, but the exact option depends on what streaming services you already subscribe to.
ESPN’s main coverage is available through its own streaming ecosystem, while live-TV streaming services that carry ESPN and ESPN2 may also provide access depending on your subscription package.
The safest thing to check before the 7 p.m. Gauff match is whether your service includes:
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN Deportes, if you prefer Spanish coverage
- ESPN App access for additional courts
Don’t wait until 6:58 p.m. to figure this out.
Anyone who has ever tried resetting a streaming password while players are walking onto Arthur Ashe Stadium knows why.
US Open 2026 Schedule Tomorrow: Wednesday, September 2
Tuesday closes out the first round.
Wednesday begins Round 2.
And the names already waiting include some of the biggest stars in the tournament.
Among the scheduled second-round matchups are:
- Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jaime Faria
- Ben Shelton vs. Hubert Hurkacz
- Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Lloyd Harris
- Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Karen Khachanov
- Frances Tiafoe vs. Rei Sakamoto
- Naomi Osaka vs. Katerina Siniakova
- Iga Swiatek vs. Nadia Podoroska
- Jessica Pegula vs. Sofia Kenin
- Aryna Sabalenka vs. Polina Iatcenko
The official tournament bracket has those matches listed as part of Wednesday’s Round of 64.
ESPN’s Wednesday schedule again begins with streaming coverage at 11 a.m. ET and television coverage at 11:30 a.m. ET.
What Should You Watch Tonight?
If you only have time for a few matches, here’s where I’d focus.
Coco Gauff vs. Zeynep Sonmez
This is the obvious one for U.S. audiences.
It’s a former US Open champion, an American star, Arthur Ashe Stadium and the opening match of the night session.
That’s the full New York experience.
Alexander Zverev vs. Lorenzo Sonego
With Djokovic already eliminated and Sinner absent, every match involving one of the top men’s contenders takes on additional importance.
Zverev now has an enormous opportunity.
Mary Stoiana vs. Alex Eala
This may not be the match casual American viewers immediately circle, but it’s a fascinating one.
An American qualifier gets a major stadium opportunity against the No. 17 seed and one of the fastest-rising young players in women’s tennis.
Gael Monfils vs. Adolfo Daniel Vallejo
Because sometimes you don’t need complicated analysis.
Sometimes you watch Gael Monfils because Gael Monfils is playing.
The Bigger Story: This US Open Already Feels Different
We’re only in the first round, and the tournament has already changed dramatically.
Djokovic is gone.
Sinner isn’t here.
Alcaraz has returned successfully after 139 days away from singles competition.
Zverev is the top seed.
Fritz is through.
Sabalenka is chasing a third consecutive title.
Gauff is beginning another attempt to win in front of the home crowd.
Osaka is back in the second round.
And several younger players are trying to turn breakthrough seasons into breakthrough Grand Slam runs.
That’s a lot of storylines for Day 3.
And that’s before New York has even reached the second round.
US Open 2026 Today FAQ
What day is the US Open on today?
Tuesday, September 1 is Day 3 of the 2026 US Open main draw and completes the men’s and women’s first round.
What time does US Open tennis start today?
Matches generally begin around 11 a.m. ET. ESPN’s main television coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. ET.
What channel is the US Open on today?
U.S. coverage is primarily on ESPN and ESPN2, with Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes.
What time does Coco Gauff play today?
Coco Gauff is scheduled to face Zeynep Sonmez at 7 p.m. ET on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
What channel is Coco Gauff on tonight?
Gauff vs. Sonmez is scheduled to air on ESPN, with Spanish coverage available on ESPN Deportes and streaming through ESPN’s digital platforms.
What time does Alexander Zverev play?
Zverev plays Lorenzo Sonego after Gauff’s match on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The exact start depends on the length of the preceding match.
Did Taylor Fritz win today?
Yes. Fritz defeated Darwin Blanch 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Did Madison Keys win today?
Yes. Keys defeated Alina Korneeva 7-5, 6-4.
Is Carlos Alcaraz playing today?
No. Alcaraz won his first-round match Monday against Roman Safiullin in straight sets. His next opponent is Jaime Faria.
Is Aryna Sabalenka playing today?
No. Sabalenka defeated Camila Osorio on Monday and has advanced to the second round.
Is Novak Djokovic still in the US Open?
No. Djokovic suffered a stunning first-round defeat to Mariano Navone.
Is there a rain delay at the US Open today?
Yes. Rain disrupted Tuesday’s outside-court schedule and caused several matches to start significantly later than originally planned.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a U.S. tennis fan wondering when to tune in Tuesday, the easiest answer is around 7 p.m. Eastern.
That’s when the US Open really shifts into primetime mode.
Coco Gauff opens the Arthur Ashe Stadium night session against Zeynep Sonmez, and Alexander Zverev follows her against Lorenzo Sonego. ESPN and ESPN2 will carry primetime coverage through approximately 11 p.m. ET.
But there’s a good argument for checking in much earlier.
Tuesday has already produced straight-set victories for Madison Keys and Taylor Fritz, a five-set escape by Flavio Cobolli and hours of rain-related disruption across the grounds. More first-round matches will continue into the evening as organizers work through the delayed schedule.
And perhaps the biggest reason to keep watching is what has already happened to this tournament.
Novak Djokovic is out. Jannik Sinner isn’t playing. Carlos Alcaraz has made an encouraging return from injury. Sabalenka has begun her three-peat attempt. Gauff is about to start another run in front of the New York crowd.
The US Open is only three days old, but the draw is already moving in directions few people expected.
That’s usually when a Grand Slam starts getting really interesting.
