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US Open 2026 day two updates
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Djokovic lost his first US Open first-round match since 2006. Alcaraz and Sabalenka play day two after his shock exit.
Background
The 2026 US Open began on August 30 at Flushing Meadows. Novak Djokovic suffered a first-round defeat to Mariano Navone, his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years. Day two features Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, with Alcaraz also competing in mixed doubles with Serena Williams.
How it unfolded
- Aug 26, 2026Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz receive a wild card into the US Open mixed doubles, which uses a new condensed two-day format.
- Aug 30, 2026US Open main draw begins. Novak Djokovic loses in the first round to Mariano Navone, his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2006.
- Aug 31, 2026Day two: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka play their first-round matches. Venus Williams loses after a 2am start.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Guardian live blog notes Djokovic's exit as 'wild' and highlights the attention on Alcaraz and Sabalenka.
- Analysts
- USA Today notes Alcaraz needs every advantage to beat top seed Alexander Zverev.