Alcaraz and Sabalenka headline night session as U.S. Open second round continues
Day 4 at Flushing Meadows saw Ben Shelton win a four-set match and Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev advance in straight sets. Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz were scheduled for later matches. The roof was open at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the evening session.
Day 4 at Flushing Meadows featured a packed schedule across both stadiums. Ben Shelton survived a demanding four-set battle on Arthur Ashe, while Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev each moved through in straight sets. Frances Tiafoe, who needed five sets to escape his first-round match against compatriot Martin Damm Jr., opened his night session on Louis Armstrong against 20-year-old Rei Sakamoto, who has yet to reach a Slam's third round.
The evening slate placed top seeds in the spotlight, with Aryna Sabalenka facing Polina Iatcenko and Carlos Alcaraz scheduled as the nightcap. Alcaraz was making his return after five months away from competition, having won his opening match. The roof at Arthur Ashe remained open for the evening, offering an outdoor night session despite earlier rain concerns.
This second-round slate could shape early tournament momentum for several marquee names, particularly Alcaraz returning from a lengthy layoff and Tiafoe seeking a cleaner path after a grueling opener. Casual fans may tune in for the star power of Sabalenka and Alcaraz, while the outcomes could influence later-round matchups and broadcast interest. A strong run from American players like Shelton, Pegula, or Tiafoe may also boost domestic viewership and engagement as the tournament progresses.