Félix Auger-Aliassime will face Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the first round of the 2026 US Open, as revealed in the tournament draw released on Thursday. The Canadian is seeded third in the men's singles draw, according to the BBC. The final Grand Slam of the year begins on Sunday, August 30 in New York.
What is Carlos Alcaraz's path to defend his title?
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will begin his tournament against Roman Safiullin. This will be the Spaniard's first singles match in over four months, following a wrist injury he sustained in April, as reported by the International Olympic Committee. Alcaraz is in the bottom half of the draw, which also includes five-time champion and Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist Novak Djokovic, setting up a potential semi-final meeting between the two. No male player has won consecutive US Open singles titles since Roger Federer’s run of five ended in 2008.
Who is Coco Gauff's first-round opponent?
American Coco Gauff, the 2023 champion, is set to play Zeynep Sönmez of Türkiye in her opening match. Gauff, the fourth seed, enters the tournament in strong form after winning the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati. A victory for Gauff would see her face either Paula Badosa or Daria Kasatkina in the second round.
Alcaraz recently returned to competition in mixed doubles on Tuesday, partnering with Serena Williams, the International Olympic Committee notes. Their run was brief, ending in a loss to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.
The main draw for singles play at Flushing Meadows is scheduled to start on Sunday, August 30.
Sources
- International Olympic Committee: US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz opens title defence against Roman Safiullin, Coco Gauff draws Zeynep Sönmez. Uncredited, 2026-08-27.
- www.bbc.com: US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz faces Roman Safiullin, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka & Arthur Fery learn first-round opponents in New York draw. Uncredited, 2026-08-27.
Reported from public sources.