Aryna Sabalenka and Stefanos Tsitsipas both made it to the third round of the US Open 2026 after winning in New York.
World No. 1 Sabalenka continued her title defence with a straight-sets victory over the Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko. Tsitsipas fought back from a set down and defeated South African qualifier Lloyd Harris in four sets.
For Tsitsipas, the win ended a long wait for a Grand Slam. The Greek player reached the third round of a major for the first time since the 2024 French Open.
Sabalenka Cruises Past Iatcenko
Sabalenka had one of the most dominant performances of the day as she beat Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1.
At Arthur Ashe Stadium, the match lasted only 53 minutes. Sabalenka quickly took charge and allowed her opponent very few opportunities to settle into the contest. She won the opening set in only 24 minutes.
The Belarusian came to the tournament as the defending champion and top seed. She is trying to win the US Open for the third consecutive year.
Sabalenka has already made a good record at Flushing Meadows. Her latest win extended her unbeaten run at the tournament to 16 games.
She will be next up against Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round.
Sabalenka’s performance also came after questions about her activities away from the court. She denied that social events had distracted her from her preparation and made a point to focus on the tournament after her win.
Tsitsipas Ends Long Grand Slam Wait
Tsitsipas had a much tougher challenge against Harris.
The Greek lost the opening set in a tie-break before turning the match around. He beat the South African qualifier 6-7(1), 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-4 in three hours and 27 minutes.
Tsitsipas had an aggressive performance, making 15 aces and 57 winners. But he also made 50 unforced errors in the game.
Harris qualified for the main draw and was currently ranked 139th in the world. Even after losing the second set, he persisted with applying pressure to Tsitsipas.
The third set was the most significant moment. Harris broke Tsitsipas to take a 4-3 lead, but the Greek responded right away. After that, Tsitsipas won the set in a tie-break after saving a break point.
That momentum continued in the fourth set. After winning the decisive break in the ninth game, Tsitsipas served out the match to ensure his place in the next round.
First US Open Third Round Since 2021
Although the India Today report notes that Tsitsipas' first third-round appearance at a Grand Slam since the 2024 French Open is as significant as his return to the US Open third round.
But it is his first time at Flushing Meadows in the third round since 2021. It is also his first time winning two consecutive matches at the US Open in five years.
The 18th seed Jiri Lehecka will face Tsitsipas in the third round.
Lehecka has earned his place in the next round with a convincing 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over the British qualifier Toby Samuel. The Czech player beat Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets.
Tsitsipas and Lehecka have met four times, and both players have won two against each other. Tsitsipas won the first two games, and Lehecka won the next two.
Navone Produces Another Major Upset
Argentina’s Mariano Navone also continued his impressive run in New York.
After beating Novak Djokovic, Navone defeated former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4).
That victory put Navone in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, a hard-court Grand Slam. His run has now included wins over two of the greatest men's tennis stars.
Tiafoe Keeps American Hopes Alive
American Frances Tiafoe also got into the third round after defeating Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto.
Tiafoe won 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-5 to continue his campaign in New York. The American, 12th in the world, is among the top home hopes at this year’s tournament.
The US Open 2026 is beginning to take shape in the third round with Sabalenka continuing her title defense and Tsitsipas finally finding consistency at a Grand Slam.
