2026 U.S. Open Singles Open in New York as Ruud Withdraws Before Day 1
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 30
2026 U.S. Open Singles Open in New York as Ruud Withdraws Before Day 1
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 30
Summary
Day 1 singles play began at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with Jessica Pegula opening on Arthur Ashe and Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams set to headline the night session.
Casper Ruud, the 2022 finalist, pulled out before play with a back injury after limited and painful practice sessions; Arthur Gea entered the draw as a lucky loser.
Early action started on outer courts and Grandstand, where No. 18 Jiri Lehecka grabbed an early break against Pablo Carreno Busta and Donna Vekic also moved ahead quickly.
The tournament opens with wider questions over the men's field, including whether an American can end a 23-year Grand Slam drought amid injuries to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's return from wrist surgery.