US Open 2026: Four blockbuster second-round matches promise high drama in New York

Flushing Meadows is still soaked after incessant rain, and my forty-page notebook has grown thicker with new observations. People look at the scoreboard for surprises, but I look at the spaces players leave behind them. Day 4 of the 2026 US Open will feature 14 postponed first-round matches alongside 32 second-round matches, promising a long, drama-filled day on American soil. The early exit of Novak Djokovic in the opening round has created a seismic shift, opening opportunities for many players. This year's tournament context has become more unpredictable than ever as several quality players are no longer seeded due to recurring injuries. The atmosphere at Grandstand and Louis Armstrong courts has turned tense, where every game could change the dynamics. My recent observations from practice sessions show players are putting everything into their serves and aggressive play, knowing that one small slip could send them home. The match between Ben Shelton and Hubert Hurkacz will be a battle of thunderous serves. Shelton showed remarkable recovery after a slow start against Tallon Griekspoor, but Hurkacz with his big serve and point-shortening style will be a real test. Based on my notes, Shelton typically starts slowly in the first set before exploding, while Hurkacz maintains consistency thanks to his solid fitness. The practice court has no spectators, but every answer lies there. I once watched Shelton practice for hours to improve his return of serve, and that shows he's ready for a long battle. The silent sacrifice doesn't appear on the scoreboard, only in the footsteps of teammates. With Hurkacz's fitness concerns, I believe Shelton will win in five sets. Felix Auger-Aliassime will face Karen Khachanov in what promises to be the most mentally taxing match of the second round. Auger-Aliassime wasn't at his best in the opening round, dropping a set to Rinky Hijikata, but his 17 aces offer plenty of encouragement. However, he needs to improve his break-point conversion and second-serve effectiveness against a dangerous opponent. The forty-page notebook never lies. Khachanov has plenty of big-stage experience, reaching the US Open semifinals in 2026, but has failed to progress beyond the second round in subsequent appearances. The Russian's form has been inconsistent, but his power and ability to strike through opponents could make this a difficult night for Auger-Aliassime. I recall Khachanov's match in Paris last year, where he made his opponent run all over the court with powerful forehands. When everyone looks at the ball, I only see the directing hand from the sideline. My prediction: Khachanov will win in five sets. Carlos Alcaraz is gradually finding his rhythm after injury while defending his title. He made an impressive return against Roman Safiullin, but Jaime Faria could provide a sterner test if the Portuguese can carry his confidence from a gruelling five-set victory over Jenson Brooksby. Alcaraz is clearly the favourite, but his lack of match practice could give Faria some hope. I once watched Alcaraz practice in Paris, and I noticed he needs at least two to three matches to find his competitive rhythm. Faria is in good form and has already shown his ability to compete under pressure. The practice court has no spectators, but every answer lies there. However, Alcaraz's class is undeniable. Prediction: Alcaraz will win in five sets. Gael Monfils will have his final performance at Flushing Meadows when he faces local hope Learner Tien. At 40, Monfils' performance against Adolfo Daniel Vallejos Alvarez was breathtaking, with his shots combined with unique celebrations changing the atmosphere in a way only the Frenchman can. But 14th seed Learner Tien will not be an easy opponent. The American started with a comfortable win over Nuno Borges in the opening round. At minute 60, the boy carries the captain's armband in his heart, not on his arm. Monfils will use his long levers to his advantage, but Tien's freshness and endurance will help him stay alive in his home Grand Slam. I predict Tien will win in five sets. What concerns me more is how young players are approaching the tournament. They no longer play traditional long-rally tennis but instead adopt aggressive play from the very first points. This creates dramatic matches but also makes them prone to errors. Former stars opening youth academies are mostly commercial gimmicks; systematic investment in grassroots coaching is severely lacking. I see this in how young players handle high-pressure situations - they lack the patience and match-reading ability that can only be honed through years of proper training. The inverted winger is homogenizing football; the traditional winger is being wrongly erased. Similarly in tennis, young players are too focused on power while forgetting the art of shot-making. These four matches will define the tournament's landscape. Those who win will gain the confidence needed to go deeper, while the losers will have to wait until next season. I will continue taking notes, continue observing, because the practice court has no spectators, but every answer lies there. And when everyone looks at the ball, I only see the directing hand from the sideline.