Pegula Opens US Open, Djokovic Headlines Night Session

14 sourcesUpdated Aug 30, 2026

World No. 3 Jessica Pegula overcame first‑round nerves to beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 in the US Open opener on Arthur Ashe Stadium, signaling her bid for a maiden major title. Pegula admitted the occasion and nerves on the cavernous court, but she still dominated after weathering a tight early stretch, converting key break opportunities to secure straight sets. The American highlighted her status as the top-ranked American in the draw as she moves into the second round, where she will face the winner of Venus Williams vs. Sofia Kenin. In the same first day session, Barbora Krejcikova became the first seed to exit, saving six match points before losing to Kamilla Rakhimova, underscoring the tournament’s potential for surprises. Pegula’s win keeps her on track for a deep run as she chases her first Grand Slam title, with Djokovic looming in the night session later. The event kicked off with strong attendance and a heightened spotlight on Ashe as the season’s final major got underway.

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Aug 24, 2026Aug 30, 2026

Aug 30, 2026Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk beats qualifier Storm Hunter to reach the US Open second round, continuing her strong Grand Slam form after deep runs at the French Open and Wimbledon.
Aug 30, 2026Jessica Pegula opens the US Open with a win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Arthur Ashe as Djokovic headlines the night session and top seed Barbora Krejcikova exits early.
Aug 30, 2026Roger Federer is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport after a sentimental US Open tribute week honoring his legacy.

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Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, the 11th seed, beat Australian qualifier Storm Hunter 6-4 6-1 to reach the U.S. Open second round, continuing strong Grand Slam form after deep runs at the French Open and Wimbledon. She now eyes a potential third-round match against Sloane Stephens or Clara Tauson as she pursues her maiden Grand Slam title.

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