US Open 2026: Four Second-Round Matches to Watch – Where the Outsiders Rise

When the relentless rain poured down on Flushing Meadows, the unfinished first-round matches had to wait until Day 4 to be completed. But before stepping into the fiery second-round battles, the tennis world was still reeling from Novak Djokovic's shocking first-round exit – a moment that shook the tournament and reminded everyone that in New York, nothing is certain. I have followed tennis since my days on the NCAA track, and I know that the early weeks of a Grand Slam always hold the strangest stories. When the courts are still damp, when the floodlights cast shadows on tense faces, I realize that the silence of the stands during late matches can speak louder than any roar. And today, September 1, I stand again in the press corridor, waiting for 14 remaining first-round matches and 32 second-round matches – a schedule denser than ever. If you ask me which match deserves the most attention, I would not hesitate to mention Ben Shelton. The American had a slow start against Tallon Griekspoor, but he possesses a powerful serve and an aggressive baseline game – weapons that have helped him make noise in New York before. His opponent, Hubert Hurkacz, is no pushover. The Pole has just returned to the top 50 after a long battle with injuries, and he convincingly beat Damir Dzumhur. But if the match goes long, I lean toward Shelton because Hurkacz hasn't yet reached his full fitness. This one could go five sets, and I put my faith in the American's youth. The next match is a clash between third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and Karen Khachanov. Auger-Aliassime wasn't at his best in the first round, dropping a set to Rinky Hijikata, but he still recorded 17 aces – an encouraging sign. However, he needs to improve his break-point conversion and second-serve effectiveness against a dangerous opponent like Khachanov. The Russian reached the US Open semifinals in 2026, but since then he has never gone past the second round here. His recent form has been inconsistent, but his power and ability to strike through opponents could make this a difficult night for Auger-Aliassime. I predict Khachanov will win in five sets, because he has the big-stage experience. Carlos Alcaraz – the defending champion – is slowly finding his rhythm after injury. He made an impressive return against Roman Safiullin, but Jaime Faria, the Portuguese, could be a tougher test if he carries his confidence from a grueling five-set victory over Jenson Brooksby. Alcaraz is clearly the favorite, but his lack of match practice could give Faria some hope. Faria is in good form and has already shown his ability to compete under pressure. I still believe Alcaraz will win, but I wouldn't rule out a fifth set. And then there is a match I cannot miss: Gael Monfils, at 40, is still enjoying his final year on tour – and he delivered a breathtaking performance against Adolfo Daniel Vallejos Alvarez. His shots, combined with his unique celebrations, changed the atmosphere in a way only the Frenchman can. But his opponent, 14th seed Learner Tien, is a promising young American. Tien won easily against Nuno Borges in the first round, and his freshness and endurance could be the key to overcoming a battle-hardened Monfils. I predict Tien will win in five sets, because age will eventually catch up with Monfils. Overall, this second round promises to deliver dramatic showdowns where outsiders have a chance to shine. I have seen too many times young players underestimated turn into overnight heroes. And in New York, where the city's noise never sleeps, tennis always finds a way to tell the most unexpected stories. Let's wait and see who advances, who must leave the tournament. Because the golden trophy is not at the finish line, but at the turns we never planned.