U.S. Open Day 1: Pegula, Djokovic, and Williams headline opening matches
The 2026 U.S. Open begins at Flushing Meadows with first-round singles action. Jessica Pegula opens on Arthur Ashe Stadium against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, while Daniil Medvedev faces Hugo Gaston. Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams are scheduled for the night session.
The tournament marks the start of the final Grand Slam of 2026 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a venue that has hosted the event since 1978 across 22 courts on 46.5 acres. Arthur Ashe Stadium, the sport's largest center court with a 23,771-seat capacity, is currently undergoing a $600 million renovation that will add 2,000 courtside seats, while Louis Armstrong Stadium holds 14,000 spectators.
Pegula, a 2024 finalist, begins her campaign on Ashe at noon against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, while Medvedev, the 2021 champion, seeks to rebound from last year's first-round exit when he plays Hugo Gaston. Djokovic and Venus Williams anchor the evening session. Broadcast coverage spans ABC, ESPN2, and ESPN throughout the day, with primetime action on ESPN.
This opening day could draw significant viewership given the mix of established champions and American hopefuls, potentially boosting interest in tennis during a crowded late-summer sports calendar. The event may also generate economic activity for the New York area through tourism and local spending, while the ongoing stadium renovation signals continued investment in the sport's infrastructure. For casual fans, the night-session matchups could serve as an accessible entry point into the tournament.