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US Open 2026: Pegula and Medvedev advance as Sinner misses tournament

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • World No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the 2026 US Open leaves the men’s draw more open, according to players including Daniil Medvedev.
  • Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz described Sinner’s absence as unusual, while Alexander Zverev enters a Grand Slam as the top seed for the first time.
  • Third seed Jessica Pegula began her campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse in 83 minutes.

Jannik Sinner’s absence has changed the shape of the 2026 US Open before the defending champion has even begun his title defense. Carlos Alcaraz called the situation “weird” as he prepares to compete without the men’s world No. 1.

We are not gonna see each other for, like, six months now, seven months. So it's kind of weird situation, to be honest.

— Carlos AlcarazThe defending champion described competing at the US Open without Sinner.

Sinner’s withdrawal marks the first time this century that the top-ranked men’s player has missed the US Open. The last such absence came in 1999, when Pete Sampras withdrew with a back injury. The tournament draw now offers more room for other contenders, although players have resisted treating Sinner’s absence as a guaranteed opening.

Alexander Zverev holds the No. 1 seed at a Grand Slam for the first time, but he played down the distinction. He said the eventual winner would be determined by “whose name is at the end of the draw” after two weeks of competition. Eighth seed Ben Shelton also said it would be disrespectful to overlook players who have won Grand Slam titles this year. Frances Tiafoe, the No. 11 seed, put the task more simply: “Still gotta beat seven guys, however way you slice it.”

I feel like I'm one of the 128 players that are favorites in the draw.

— Alexander ZverevThe first-time Grand Slam No. 1 seed played down the importance of his seeding.

Daniil Medvedev, the seventh seed and 2021 champion, acknowledged that the draw was more open while warning that several players regularly advance deep into tournaments. The women’s event also produced an early result, with third seed Jessica Pegula defeating Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

I think it would be disrespectful to just think, 'oh, there's no Sinner, it's a massive opportunity,' when you have guys who've won Slams this year.

— Ben SheltonShelton cautioned against assuming Sinner’s withdrawal made the tournament easy for the remaining players.

Pegula needed one hour and 23 minutes, hitting 26 winners against 14 unforced errors. She created 17 break-point chances and converted four. The New York State native entered her 10th US Open main draw after runner-up finishes in Washington and Cincinnati. She said she felt nervous before the match but was pleased with how she handled the 63rd-ranked Ruse.

Still gotta beat seven guys, however way you slice it.

— Frances TiafoeTiafoe emphasized the challenge that remains despite Sinner’s absence.
About this summary

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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