Updates: This article, originally published on March 11, 2024, has been preserved in its original form. New information on the progress of the Midnight project is being added by topic in a separate section after the original text. Click on a topic below to read its update. First update – 09/17/2026: Did Midnight enter the market in 2025? High-TechSociety.com | Por Luiz Cincurá | Cite The fun and futuristic cartoon “The Jetsons”, from the studio Hanna-Barbera Productions, by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, was released on September 23, 1962, already with prominence. It was the first TV series broadcast in color by a TV station, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). It was ahead of its time for several reasons, including that, at that time, only 3% of the North American public owned color televisions. The series The Jetsons was about the life of the Jetsons family who lived in the year 2062 and the future was presented to us: urban transport through flying vehicles, suspended cities, automated work, robots as domestic servants, video conferences, among other situations. This touched the fantasy and imagination of children and adults, precisely because it portrayed a world that did not exist, a science fiction world. 63 years after the cartoon The Jetsons, the startup Archer Aviation , responsible for developing the innovative Midnight , an electric eVTOL vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, aims to make urban transport a reality through eVTOL flying vehicles, which take off, land and hover vertically like a helicopter. Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft. (Photo: Business Wire) Archer Aviation's Director of Safety, Billy Nolen, stated at the Dubai Airshow that there is a possibility of the Midnight arriving on the market as early as next year, in 2025, which depends on regulatory approval by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is worth mentioning that, last year, Midnight received its Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA, which paved the way for it to begin test flight operations, having recently completed this first phase. Archer Aviation is one of several companies developing eVTOL. However, the consensus is that Archer and Joby Aviation are the two companies that are furthest along in their development. The first phase of construction of the Archer factory, in Covington, Georgia, USA, is scheduled to end in 2024, with the installation of 350,000 square feet, equivalent to 32,516 m² that will be able to produce 600 aircraft per year. However, Archer will not be able to use its facilities to their full potential until it obtains FAA type certification for Midnight. This validates the design of the aircraft and its components, in compliance with strict safety standards. Midnight has a flight range of approximately 100 miles/160 km, which can be completed on a single charge. but it is optimized for shorter consecutive flights of around 20 miles or 32 km, with 10 minutes of charging between trips, via plug-in. A maximum cruising speed of 150 mph, equivalent to 240 km/h, transitions to cruising at a speed of around 100 mph or 160 km/h. Midnight is powered by six independent batteries, each supporting a pair of electric motors (2 Magidrive EPUs). Midnight is configured to operate with one pilot and up to four passengers and luggage. The Midnight not only stands out for its speed and sustainability, but also for its design - the aircraft has 12 electric propellers, a high main wing, a V-tail and a tricycle landing gear with fixed wheels, thus promising its passengers greater safety and less noise compared to conventional helicopters. Archer's Midnight aircraft won the Muse 2023 Transportation Design of the Year award. The MUSE Design Awards is an international design competition dedicated to recognizing outstanding and original design work from around the world. Archer's team of design professionals is led by Julien Montousse, former head of design at Mazda North America; Niki Smart, who redesigned the Cadillac vehicle at General Motors; and Greg Warmsley, former executive creative director at Mazda. Midnight is recommended for mobility in urban areas. The commercial intention is to use it mainly as a flying taxi, to travel from airports to city centers, but with the possibility of also carrying out tourist tours, among other applications. The business model calls for reservations for shared rides, with initial passenger costs estimated at $4 and $5 per mile, gradually decreasing over the following years. Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer, Archer Aviation, highlighted the zero-emission and sustainable nature of Midnight. With noise levels approximately 100 times lower than conventional helicopters, Archer envisions a solution that aligns with the evolving scenario of smart cities. Archer Aviation plans to launch commercial air taxi routes in major US cities such as New York and Chicago with its partner United Airlines in 2025, with international operations launching in Dubai and Abu Dhabi the following year. United x Archer – Meet Midnight The arrival of Midnight, among other flying urban transport vehicles that are in development, will partially turn into reality the futuristic scenes from The Jetsons broadcast on ABC TV in 1962, as, in addition to the flying vehicle that we are waiting for soon, Video conferencing, automated work, robots in a clear process of improvement are a reality, however, the suspended city of The Jetsons is not part of current reality and visible scenarios. - Would it be a failure in Hanna-Barbera's visionary capacity? - It's too early to say that! - Have you forgotten that there are still 38 years to go until we reach the year 2062, which was introduced to us by The Jetsons? Sources: AFRICANNEWS . Flying Taxis: Archer Aviation's Vision for Urban Air Mobility Takes Flight . By Afolake Oyinloye and Agencies. Available at: < https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/16/flying-taxis-archer-aviations-vision-for-urban-air-mobility-takes-flight/ > Accessed on 09.mar.2024 . AIRFRAMER. Aircraft Program. Archer Maker eVTOL . Available at: < https://www.airframer.com/aircraft_detail.html?model=ArchereVTOL > Accessed on March 10, 2024. ARCHER AVIATION INC. Midnight . Available at: < https://archer.com/midnight > Accessed on 03/10/2024. BUSINESS AIR NEWS. Archer scores Transportation Design of the Year for Midnight . Available at: < https://www.businessairnews.com/mag_story.html?ident=29621 > Accessed on: March 10, 2024. CARLSEN, Courtney. THE MOTLEY FOOL. Where Will Archer Aviation Be in 1 Year? Available at: < https://www.fool.com/investing/2024/02/27/where-will-archer-aviation-be-in-1-year/ > Accessed on March 10, 2024. DOMINGUES, Joelza Ester. Teaching History Blog . “The Jetsons”, the first color television show . Available at < https://ensinarhistoria.com.br/linha-do-tempo/ Primeiro-programa-de-televisao-colorido-the-jetsons/ > Accessed on 09.mar.2024. FUTURE FLIGHT. WEITERING, Hanneke. Archer Revs Up Flight Tests With Midnight Evtol Air Taxi. Available at: < https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-02-02/archer-revs-flight-tests-midnight-evtol-air-taxi > Accessed on: March 11, 2024. THE ARSENALE. Pioneering Sustainable Urban Mobility With Archer Aviation. Available at: < https://thearsenale.com/blogs/magazine/pioneering-sustainable-urban-mobility-with-archer-aviation > Accessed on: March 11, 2024. WIKIPEDIA. The Jetsons. Available at: Accessed on: 09.mar.2024. First update – 09/17/2026: Did Midnight enter the market in 2025? First update, September 17, 2026: Did Midnight enter the market in 2025? Midnight did not enter regular service in 2025, as anticipated in this article, published on March 11, 2024. As of this update, its manufacturer, Archer, had not announced the completion of type certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is required for the aircraft to enter regular passenger service. Archer is participating in projects selected for the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program and expects to begin operations with Midnight later in 2026. Type certification of the aircraft, required for its entry into regular service, remains in progress. In May 2026, Archer reported that it had completed the third of the four phases of that process. Sources for this update: FAA and Archer Aviation. How to cite this publication: ANDRADE, Luiz Inácio Caribé Cincurá de. Midnight Flying Vehicle in 2025. High-Tech Society, 11 mar. 2024. Available at:

A brief look at the journeys of the 2026 US Open champions. High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá | Cite The 2026 US Open crowned two tennis players who represented different countries, but whose stories share a common geographical origin. Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan was born, raised, and began her athletic training in Moscow . Alexander Zverev of Germany was born in Hamburg, but is the son of two Russian tennis players , born in Sochi and later based in the Russian capital. Elena Rybakina e Alexander Zverev. Photos: Hameltion e Rick Munroe; editing and typesetting: NICHOLAS NEEDLEHAM/Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Both trajectories, therefore, have roots linked to Russia and the former Soviet Union, but followed distinct paths to the titles won in New York. Besides the decisive presence of their parents, both received institutional support throughout their development, although in different proportions and at different times. Zverev received financial assistance from German sports institutions when he was already progressing in the professional circuit; Rybakina received broader support from Kazakhstan, which made his permanent transition to the international circuit possible. In the men's tournament, the German Alexander Zverev, 29 years old and 1.98 meters tall , arrived at the 2026 US Open as world number 2, defeated the American Ben Shelton 3 sets to 1 in the final and remained in second position in the ranking after the end of the competition. In the women's competition, Elena Rybakina, 27 years old and 1.84 meters tall , won the US Open for the first time by defeatng Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 2 sets to 1. The tennis player had already mathematically secured the top ranking by winning her quarter-final match at the US Open. Therefore, she did not become number 1 as a result of the final, although she ended the competition with two extraordinary achievements: the title in New York and reaching the top of world tennis. Zverev: the diagnosis that did not interrupt his career. Alexander Zverev. Photo: JC, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Alexander Zverev was four years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes , a chronic condition in which the body stops producing enough insulin. Managing it requires constant monitoring of blood glucose levels and regular insulin administration. According to the tennis player himself, doctors told his family that his life and his possibilities in the sport would be very limited . His mother, Irina Zvereva, refused to accept that the diagnosis predetermined what her son could or could not achieve. Recalling that moment after winning the 2026 US Open title, Zverev said his mother told him he could be anything he wanted: if he wanted to become a tennis player, he would be a tennis player; if he chose another path, he could follow it as well. The illness would not define his life. Zverev dedicated one of the most moving passages of his acceptance speech to his mother, Irina , describing her as the most important person in his life and tennis career, as well as one of the strongest people he knows. The champion continues to manage his diabetes daily, including during competitions. In 2022, he created the Alexander Zverev Foundation , an organization dedicated primarily to supporting children and young people with the disease and expanding access to the medications and resources necessary for treatment. A family of high-level tennis players Alexander Zverev is German by birth, but has Russian family origins. His parents, Irina Zvereva and Alexandr Zverev , were born and raised in Sochi, the Russian city that hosted the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the time, the region was part of the Soviet Union. Later, they both moved to Moscow, where they pursued their sporting careers. Irina was part of the Soviet tennis elite and reached fourth place in the national women's ranking . She also competed in the 1990 Moscow Open and became known for the quality of her one-handed backhand. After leaving competition, she became a coach and played a decisive role in the technical development of her children. Alexandr Zverev was also a professional tennis player, representing the Soviet Union in the Davis Cup and competing in three Grand Slam main draws between 1985 and 1986. In 1991, as the Soviet Union neared its end, the couple moved to Hamburg after both received offers to work as tennis coaches at the Uhlenhorster Hockey-Club . Subsequently, they both became German citizens . The couple's first child, Mischa Zverev , was born in Moscow in 1987 and grew up in Germany . Alexander was born ten years later, in Hamburg, in 1997. Mischa represented Germany on the professional circuit; Alexander continues to represent the country and win titles. Alexander began playing tennis at the age of five . His mother guided his early training and played a particularly important role in the technical development of his strokes. Later, his father took over as the main coach and remains in charge of his preparation. Mischa also built a professional career and reached 25th place in the world rankings in 2017. After leaving the circuit in 2023, he began assisting his brother as a coach, training partner, and member of the team responsible for managing his career. From youth competitions to the first major titles. Zverev was the world's number 1 junior player and won the Australian Open junior title in 2014. He debuted on the ATP main circuit in 2013 and won his first title in 2016. In March 2016 , when Zverev was ranked 58th in the world , the German Tennis Federation announced that, together with the German Olympic Sports Confederation, it allocated approximately €60,000 per year to his training. According to the federation, these entities covered the majority of his physical trainer's salary . This investment complemented the structure provided by his family, but was granted when Zverev was already beginning to establish himself on the professional circuit. The evolution was rapid. In 2017, he won his first Masters 1000 titles, in Rome and Montreal . At the 2018 ATP Finals , he defeated Roger Federer in the semi-final and Novak Djokovic in the final, to win the tournament that brings together the best players of the season for the first time. Despite impressive results, success in Grand Slam tournaments took longer to arrive. The most painful experience occurred at the 2020 US Open , when Zverev took a two-set lead over Dominic Thiem in the final, but suffered a comeback and finished as runner-up. In 2021 , he won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games and won the ATP Finals again . He already possessed some of the most important titles in tennis, but was still seeking his first Grand Slam . The most critical moment of his career occurred on June 3, 2022, during the Roland Garros semi-final against Rafael Nadal. Zverev tore three ligaments in his right ankle , had to leave the court in a wheelchair, and underwent surgery. During his recovery, bone edema delayed his return. He returned to official competition on December 31, 2022, after being away from the circuit for almost seven months. The injury interrupted a period in which he was approaching the number one spot in the world rankings. After a gradual recovery, he returned to competing in the decisive stages of the biggest tournaments. His first Grand Slam title finally arrived at Roland Garros 2026 , making him the first German to win a men's singles tournament of that category since Boris Becker, champion of the 1996 Australian Open . Just over three months later, winning the US Open on September 13, 2026 , confirmed the best season of Zverev 's career: two Grand Slam titles in the same year and the victory in the same stadium where he had lost the 2020 final. Rybakina: the height that closed one path and opened another. Elena Rybakina during training at the US Open. Photo: Ocoudis/Wikimedia Commons - CC0 1.0 . Cropped image. Elena Rybakina was born in Moscow on June 17, 1999. As a child, she practiced gymnastics and figure skating alongside her older sister, Anna. As she grew older, her height reduced her prospects for pursuing a professional career in gymnastics , a discipline in which shorter stature can favor better performance in the execution of certain movements. It was her father, Andrey Rybakin, who realized that the height that hindered her continued participation in gymnastics could be used in another sport and suggested that his daughter try tennis . Elena started playing tennis at the age of six and initially developed her skills at the Dynamo and Spartak clubs in Moscow. Unlike Zverev's parents, Andrey and Ekaterina Rybakina were not professional tennis players. Even so, they played a decisive role in their daughter's upbringing, monitoring her training and, later, in the choice that allowed her to continue her career. Rybakina reached third place in the world junior rankings , but upon finishing high school, she had to decide whether to take the next step in her career: transitioning to professional tennis . Her family lacked the necessary resources to regularly finance travel, coaches, accommodation, and other expenses of the professional circuit. During this time of financial difficulties and uncertainty about the continuation of her career , Rybakina received the support that would allow her to move forward. The Kazakhstan Tennis Federation decided to invest in the potential of the 19-year-old, offering her financial support, training facilities, and the opportunity to compete on the international circuit. In return, she would represent the country. The proposal that changed Rybakina's trajectory. Rybakina and her parents traveled to Kazakhstan , met with the federation's president, Bulat Utemuratov , and decided to accept the offer. In July 2018 , she officially began representing the country. The tennis player herself later explained that the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation was looking for promising athletes, while she needed support to fully launch her professional career. According to Rybakina, the federation's proposal represented a good fit between what both parties were looking for. The confidence placed in his potential and the financial and sporting conditions offered were decisive in his decision. When she received support from the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation in 2018 , Rybakina had just entered the top 200 female tennis players in the world and finished the season ranked 191st . In 2019, she won her first WTA title in Bucharest and finished the year ranked 37th in the world . In 2020 , she reached 17th place and finished the season ranked 19th, consolidating her entry into the top 20 female tennis players in the world . To better understand the significance of this partnership, it is worth knowing some characteristics of Kazakhstan, the country that Rybakina came to represent. A country from the former Soviet Union that invested in tennis. Panoramic view of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Photo: Ken and Nyetta, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0 With most of its territory located in Central Asia and a small portion in Europe, Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world in terms of land area and shares a long northern border with Russia. Its territory was part of the former Soviet Union as the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic . The country declared its independence on December 16, 1991, being the last of the former Soviet republics to do so. Its capital, Astana , is approximately 2,300 kilometers from Moscow as the crow flies . A direct flight between the two cities usually takes just over three hours. Kazakh is the official language of the state. Russian, however, remains widely spoken by the population and is officially used in public bodies and local administrations. Kazakhstan has the largest economy in Central Asia and is classified as an upper-middle-income country . Its economic capacity is strongly linked to the production and export of oil, gas, uranium, and metals . The country possesses important oil fields in the Caspian Sea region and is among the world's largest producers of uranium. In 2007 , the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation launched a project to develop the sport in the country. The project had the financial support of major Kazakh businessmen. The plan combined investments in facilities, coach training, youth competitions, and attracting athletes born in other countries. The offer made to Rybakina was part of this project. Kazakhstan was looking for tennis players capable of achieving international results and, at the same time, sparking the interest of children and young people in tennis. A partnership of mutual benefits. Being affiliated with Kazakhstan for sports doesn't mean Rybakina focuses all her training in that country. Her routine follows the international circuit , but she maintains concrete sporting ties with the country she represents. Her relationship with the country, however, goes beyond the funding she received at the beginning of her career. She has represented Kazakhstan since 2018 , defends the national team in the Billie Jean King Cup¹ and has become the main international reference for Kazakh tennis. The support he received allowed him to regularly compete in professional tournaments and develop his potential. In turn, his results projected Kazakhstan's sports program internationally and offered the country's youth a concrete example that their flag could reach the highest levels of world tennis. At Wimbledon 2022 , Rybakina became the first representative from Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam title . At the WTA Finals 2025 , she won the competition that brings together the best tennis players of the season undefeated . At the 2026 Australian Open , he won his second Grand Slam title . Then, at the 2026 US Open, he achieved the third major title of his career. By defeating Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals of the 2026 US Open, Rybakina earned the points needed to secure the world number one ranking, regardless of the results of subsequent matches. She became the 30th woman to reach the number one spot in the WTA rankings and the first representative from Kazakhstan - among both women and men - to achieve the top spot in world tennis. Power, composure, and balance on the court. Standing at 1.84 meters tall, Rybakina has built her game around one of the most effective serves on the women's circuit. Her power also shines through in her deep, fast groundstrokes , which allow her to take control of points and reduce her opponents' reaction time. The power of his game contrasts with the sobriety of his demeanor. Rybakina rarely displays intense satisfaction at a point won or frustration at a mistake. He maintains a serene appearance even in moments of greatest pressure and usually reacts discreetly to both victories and defeats. Although known for her reserved demeanor on the court, Rybakina states that this doesn't mean she lacks emotion . The tennis player considers herself a naturally calm person, although she acknowledges feeling nervousness, frustration, and other emotions during matches. However, she tries not to let them interfere with her concentration, the rhythm of the game, and the decisions she makes at each point. Her discretion should therefore not be interpreted as indifference, nor, in isolation, as proof of complete emotional control. She combines a reserved personality with the ability to manage her reactions during competition. After winning the 2026 US Open, her celebration remained consistent with that personality. Rybakina displayed joy and emotion , but maintained the elegance and discretion that have become hallmarks of her presence on the court. Two paths of perseverance and support. Zverev was born into a family of high-level tennis players. He received technical training from his parents from childhood, and his father continues to follow his professional career as a coach. He had to learn very early on to balance the sport with the constant management of his diabetes. Rybakina was introduced to tennis by her father after her height limited her career prospects in gymnastics. When the family's resources were no longer sufficient to finance her transition to the professional circuit, she chose to represent Kazakhstan, whose federation believed in her potential and offered her substantial financial and sporting support. This investment was crucial in enabling her to participate regularly in the international circuit and transform a promising youth career into a professional one. In New York , the two stories reached a new point of convergence. Zverev put behind him the lost final at the 2020 US Open and won his second Grand Slam. Rybakina won her third major career title and became the first representative of Kazakhstan to reach the top of the world rankings. Behind the two champions are decisions made when the future was still uncertain: a mother who did not allow a medical prognosis to limit her son's aspirations; a father who saw tennis as a possible path for his daughter; and a country that offered Rybakina the necessary resources when her continued participation in professional sports was not yet assured . Years later, these distinct trajectories reached the same point of consecration: the 2026 US Open singles titles and the US$5.5 million prize awarded to both the champion, Zverev, and the runner-up, Rybakina. By Luiz Cincurá Founder and Editor High-TechSociety.com Editorial Transparency: This article was produced with the support of ChatGPT in conducting the research, organizing the content, and providing suggestions for writing and text revision. The Editor's participation included defining the editorial approach, guiding the research and providing critical analysis, as well as making decisions and modifications to the text, approving the final version, and being responsible for the published content. Notice: ¹ International women's tennis competition between national teams , equivalent to the men's Davis Cup. Named after former American tennis player Billie Jean King. Sources: Alexander Zverev Foundation. Supporting children and young people with diabetes. ATP Tour: Alexandr Zverev and his role as coach Profile of Alexander Zverev World Bank. Economic overview of Kazakhstan. United States Department of Commerce. Natural resources and economic structure of Kazakhstan. Government of Kazakhstan. Official information about the country, its capital, and languages. Red Bull Rybakina explains his way of managing emotions during matches. Reuters: The historical dimension of Rybakina's rise to power in Kazakhstan. Elena Rybakina's sporting career. Zverev highlights his mother's confidence after winning the US Open. The Guardian. Kazakhstan's support for Rybakina's career and the tennis development project. US Open: Alexander Zverev wins the 2026 men's title. Rybakina wins 2026 women's title. WTA: Profile and results of Elena Rybakina. Rybakina becomes the first representative from Kazakhstan to reach number 1. How to cite this publication: ANDRADE, Luiz Inácio Caribé Cincurá de. Rybakina and Zverev: beyond the titles. A brief look at the journeys of the 2026 US Open champions. High-TechSociety.com, September 16, 2026. Available at:

Events that are shaping the tournament in New York. High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá Introduction and legend: click or tap to open The 2026 US Open is underway in New York, and throughout the tournament, events both on and off the courts are helping to shape the history of this edition. This section gathers noteworthy facts from the competition, such as withdrawals. ...and player substitutions, lucky losers, entering the tournament, high-impact results , highly anticipated matches, records and remarkable achievements, as well as curiosities, celebrity appearances, and other events that keep the tournament buzzing. Information will be added throughout the 2026 US Open as relevant events occur, without the intention of covering every match or providing complete results coverage. For that purpose, Part 3 of the series provides the dashboard. Follow the 2026 US Open in real time , with access to the match schedule, results, brackets, and other up-to-date tournament information. Follow the updates below, from newest to oldest. The colors identify the different types of events and make it easier to find the topics of interest as you browse the page: 🟣 HIGHLIGHT — Big surprises and impactful events. ⚫CHANGE TO THE DRAW — Withdrawals, retirements, replacements, lucky losers and wild cards. 🟡 KEEP AN EYE OUT — Matches and events that deserve attention. 🔵 FEAT AND RECORD — Historic milestones and exceptional performances. 🔴 OFF THE COURT — Personalities and events inside and outside the complex. 🟤 CURIOSITY — Unusual stories and situations from the tournament. 🔵 13 SEP 2026 · FEAT E RECORD Zverev is the 2026 US Open champion! Germany’s Alexander Zverev, 29, world No. 2 and the No. 1 seed, claimed his first US Open title on Sunday by defeating American Ben Shelton, 23, world No. 5 and the No. 8 seed, 3 sets to 1, with scores of 6/3, 7/6(2), 5/7 and 6/2, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match brought together two of the most powerful players on the tour, but Zverev showed greater consistency throughout the four sets. In the very first game, Shelton committed a double fault on break point and dropped his serve. The American tried to vary his game, including with serve-and-volley approaches, but Zverev maintained his advantage and took the first set 6/3. The second set was more evenly contested and went to a tiebreak. With the Arthur Ashe crowd firmly behind Shelton, Zverev remained focused and raced to a 5/0 lead in the tiebreak. The advantage proved decisive, and the German closed it out 7/2, moving within one set of the title. Shelton fought back in the third set Despite trailing by two sets, Shelton did not give up. In the third set, he went through moments of frustration — at one point slipping and falling during a rally — but continued looking for ways to increase the pressure on Zverev. The German managed to fend off a break point in the sixth game, but Shelton increased the pressure late in the set and eventually secured the break that allowed him to take the set 7/5. The American’s persistence was rewarded. Shelton broke Zverev’s serve and won the third set 7/5, sending the final into a fourth set. His comeback was even more significant because Zverev had reached the final without dropping a set in his previous four matches. Zverev regained control The possibility of a stronger Shelton comeback, however, was quickly met by a response from Zverev. In the fourth set, one of the most important points of the final came in a 25-shot rally, won by the German to secure an early break of serve. From that point on, Zverev regained control of the match with greater consistency, combining the power of his serve, the quality of his returns and his ability to sustain baseline rallies. Shelton continued to look for aggressive shots and tried to shorten the points, but he was unable to maintain in the fourth set the level that had enabled him to fight back in the third. Zverev took the set 6/2 and sealed the title. The final point also produced a curious scene. After a Shelton return went out, Zverev did not immediately realize that he had won the tournament and walked back toward the baseline, preparing to receive another serve. Only after hearing the umpire’s announcement and noticing the crowd’s reaction did he realize that the match was over, before running to the net to shake Shelton’s hand. A title that changes the dimension of Zverev’s career The title represents a particularly important milestone in the German’s career. Before 2026, Zverev had finished runner-up at four Grand Slam tournaments — the 2020 US Open, 2024 Roland Garros, 2025 Australian Open and 2026 Wimbledon — and for years had been regarded as one of the leading players of his generation without a Grand Slam title. That story began to change at Roland Garros 2026, when he won his first Grand Slam title. Just three months later, in his sixth major final, Zverev won the US Open to claim the second Grand Slam title of his career, both in the same season. His performance in New York also demonstrated his ability to recover over the course of the tournament. Zverev needed five sets in each of his first two rounds, but then won four consecutive matches without dropping a set to reach the final. Against Shelton, he lost the third set but responded immediately in the fourth and did not allow the American’s comeback to change the course of the final. For Shelton, the defeat does not diminish the significance of his campaign. In his first Grand Slam final, the American arrived in New York as the No. 8 seed, defeated Carlos Alcaraz in five sets in the quarterfinals and overcame Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal. In the final, even after losing the first two sets, he managed to fight back and force Zverev into a fourth set. Shelton was unable to end the United States’ wait for an American men’s Grand Slam singles champion — the last remains Andy Roddick, at the 2003 US Open — but he leaves the tournament with his best result at a major and having demonstrated that his game can already take him to the biggest finals on the tour. The title also carries special significance for Zverev because it came at the same tournament where he experienced one of the most difficult defeats of his career. In 2020, the German reached the US Open final and took a two-set lead over Dominic Thiem, but ultimately lost in five sets. Six years later, he returned to the final in New York and this time won the title, adding the US Open trophy to the Roland Garros title he also claimed in 2026. 🟡 SEP 13, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Zverev vs. Shelton: serves exceeding 220 km/h and intense rallies promise a great final. German Alexander Zverev , 29, world No. 2 and No. 1 seed , and American Ben Shelton , 23, world No. 5 and No. 8 seed , will play this Sunday, September 13 , in the men's singles final of the 2026 US Open . The match is scheduled for 2:00 PM New York time , at Arthur Ashe Stadium , at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York. Zverev arrives at the final with the experience of someone competing in his sixth Grand Slam final (see his journey in the table below) and his third consecutive final this season . Now he seeks his second Grand Slam title. Grand Slam finals contested by Alexander Zverev: Year Grand Slam Adversary Result 2020 US Open Dominic Thiem Runner-up 2024 Roland Garros Carlos Alcaraz Runner-up 2025 Australian Open Jannik Sinner Runner-up 2026 Roland Garros Flavio Cobolli Champion 2026 Wimbledon Jannik Sinner Runner-up 2026 US Open Ben Shelton Final to be played Shelton , for his part, will be playing in his first Grand Slam final . As the table below shows, the American has already won seven titles on the ATP circuit . His 2026 campaign is particularly noteworthy: Shelton won four titles, spread across three surfaces: Dallas and Montreal (hard court), Munich (clay), and Stuttgart (grass). With this, he became the first American since 2010 to win ATP titles on all three surfaces in the same season and reaches the final after a highly publicized campaign in New York. ATP titles won by Ben Shelton: Year Tournament Category 2023 Tokyo ATP 500 2024 Houston ATP 250 2025 Toronto ATP Masters 1000 2026 Dallas ATP 500 2026 Munich ATP 500 2026 Stuttgart ATP 250 2026 Montreal ATP Masters 1000 In the quarterfinals, Shelton eliminated the then-champion Carlos Alcaraz in five sets , in a match that ended at 3:33 AM , the latest finish in US Open history. In the semifinals , he defeated his compatriot Frances Tiafoe 3 sets to 1 . A victory would also have historic significance for American tennis: Shelton could become the first American to win a Grand Slam men's singles title since Andy Roddick, who won the US Open in 2003 . Direct confrontations History heavily favors Zverev . The two have faced each other before . They have faced each other five times , and the German has won them all : Cincinnati 2024, Munich 2025, Stuttgart 2025, Cincinnati 2025 and ATP Finals 2025. Sunday's final will therefore be their sixth encounter and their first in a Grand Slam . What could decide the final? THE Shelton's serve will be one of the key elements of the match. Left-handed and with a serve capable of frequently exceeding 220 km/h , the American uses the power of his first serve to quickly take control of points and seeks to complement this characteristic with aggressive baseline shots. Against Tiafoe in the semi-final , he managed 20 aces and landed 75% of his first serves in play . Zverev also possesses one of the strongest serves on the circuit, greater experience in five-set matches , and Zverev's ability to sustain long baseline rallies is a key strength . He also excels at the quality of his returns, with the ability to neutralize powerful serves and keep many balls in play , which can hinder Shelton 's attempt to use the power of his first serve to shorten points. Another aspect will be how Shelton manages his aggression. To overcome Zverev for the first time, Shelton will likely need to maintain his aggressive game and look for decisive strikes , but without taking risks that result in many mistakes . The German, in turn, will likely try to prolong some of the exchanges and force his opponent to repeatedly execute high-difficulty strikes. There is also an important factor in the current situation of both players. Zverev began the tournament with two consecutive five-set matches and accumulated a record of 16 hours and 40 minutes on the court, in the five matches that led him to the semi-finals . Despite the grueling start, his performance improved throughout the competition: the German did not lose a single set in his last four matches , including his victory over Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals. Shelton arrives buoyed by victories over Alcaraz and Tiafoe and should have strong support from the American crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. 🔵 SEP 12, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Elena Rybakina is the 2026 US Open champion! Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina , 27, world number 2 and number 2 seed , is the new US Open champion! This Saturday, at Arthur Ashe Stadium , she defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka , 28, world number 1 and number 1 seed, by 2 sets to 1 , with scores of 6/4, 5/7 and 6/2, in a 2h21 match . In this final marked by the confrontation between two of the most powerful players on the circuit, Rybakina managed to impose his game on Sabalenka won the first set 6-4 . Sabalenka rallied in the second and, despite her opponent's resistance, closed it out 7-5 , forcing a third set. In the decisive set, however, Rybakina took control of the match . The Kazakh player maintained consistency in baseline rallies, pressured Sabalenka's serve, and built a sufficient lead to prevent another comeback from the world number 1. With a 6-2 score, she closed out the match and won her first title in New York. Throughout the final, Rybakina managed four service breaks and, in addition to constantly pressuring Sabalenka 's serve , showed greater consistency in her own service games during crucial moments. This indicates the pressure she managed to exert even against one of the strongest servers on the circuit. The result also ended Sabalenka 's impressive run at the tournament. A two-time champion in 2024 and 2025 , the Belarusian reached her fourth consecutive US Open final and was looking to become the first woman since Serena Williams, between 2012 and 2014 , to win three consecutive titles in New York. The defeat interrupted her streak of 19 consecutive victories in the tournament. For Rybakina, the title represents another milestone in a particularly important season. She had already defeated Sabalenka in the final of the 2026 Australian Open and now she has won both Grand Slams played on hard courts this season . With Wimbledon 2022 , she reaches three Grand Slam titles in her career. In the three major finals she has played against Sabalenka , the Kazakh now leads 2-1 : she lost the 2023 Australian Open , but won the finals of the 2026 Australian Open and the 2026 US Open. The victory in New York takes on even greater significance because it coincides with a shift at the top of women's tennis. Rybakina had already mathematically secured the top ranking by reaching the semi-finals, regardless of the final result. In the WTA update on Monday, she will appear for the first time as She will become the world's number one, the 30th woman to hold the top ranking and the first representative from Kazakhstan to achieve this position . Sabalenka will end a streak of 99 consecutive weeks at the top. The title also confirms an important shift in the rivalry between the two. Sabalenka arrived in New York as a two-time champion with an advantage in the overall head-to-head record, but Rybakina won both Grand Slam finals played between them in 2026. In a rivalry characterized by the powerful serves and groundstrokes of both players , the Kazakh player once again demonstrated her ability to maintain consistency in decisive moments. In addition to the trophy, Rybakina will receive US$5.5 million , the largest prize money ever awarded to a singles champion in Grand Slam history. Sabalenka , as runner-up, will receive US$2.8 million . Thus, Rybakina concludes her campaign in New York with a rare combination: her first US Open title, her third Grand Slam title, and an unprecedented rise to the number 1 ranking in the world . 🔵 SEP 12, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Latak wins dramatic final against Guto Miguel and conquers the US Open Junior title. American Marcel Latak , 17 years old, ranked 41st in the world junior rankings and without seeding status , won the US Open 2026 junior men's singles title on Saturday by defeating Brazilian Luis Guto Miguel , 17 years old, ranked 1st in the world junior rankings and seeded 1st , by 2 sets to 1 , with scores of 3/6, 7/5 and 7/6(13) , after a 2h46 final marked by successive twists and turns . Guto started better and won the first set 6-3 , achieving three service breaks. Latak reacted in the second and, after a balanced set, managed the decisive break to close it out 7-5 and take the match to a third set. In the decisive set, neither player managed to establish a sufficient advantage, and the match went to a 10-point tiebreak . It was then that the match took on a particularly dramatic turn. Latak opened up a 7-2 lead , but Guto began a great comeback. The Brazilian saved title opportunities from his opponent and turned the situation around until reaching 11-10 , having his own championship point to win the US Open. The battle continued point by point until Latak finally closed out the tiebreak 15-13 . The title makes the American's campaign even more surprising. Latak entered the main draw as a special exempt (SE). This condition is granted to players who cannot compete in the qualifying rounds because they are still competing in another qualifying tournament. Before the tournament, he himself acknowledged that he arrived in New York without expecting to advance so far. In the quarterfinals, he defeated his compatriot Keaton Hance and, in the semifinals, eliminated the German Jamie MacKenzie, the number 2 seed, by 2 sets to 0. For Guto Miguel , the defeat came after a campaign that once again placed him among the top names in world junior tennis. The Brazilian had already experienced another extraordinary match in the quarterfinals, when he saved three match points against American Jordan Lee before winning the match tiebreak 13-11 . In the final, the situation almost repeated itself—this time, however, it was Latak who held on in the decisive points. Despite finishing as runner-up, Guto concludes the US Open after a standout season in junior Grand Slams: he won the singles title at Roland Garros and the doubles title at Wimbledon , alongside Slovenian Ziga Sesko . In New York, he was seeking his second Grand Slam singles title of the year. Latak 's journey at the US Open is not yet over. The American also reached the final of the junior men's doubles , alongside compatriot Tanishk Konduri , becoming the first player since the Chinese player to do so. Wu Yibing, in 2017 , competing in the same US Open in the junior men's singles and doubles finals. 🔵 SEP 12, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Gabet and González-Galino defeat Konduri and Latak to win the junior doubles title. Frenchman Aaron Gabet and Spaniard Valentín González-Galino , both 17 years old, won the US Open 2026 junior men's doubles title on Saturday. They defeated Americans Tanishk Konduri and Marcel Latak 2 sets to 1 , with scores of 7/6(5), 2/6 and [11/9] , in a 1 hour and 30 minute match . The decision was only made in the final points of the match tiebreak . After losing the second set 6-2 , Gabet and González-Galino recovered in the decisive set and closed it out 11-9 , winning their first junior Grand Slam title as a doubles team. For Marcel Latak , the match capped off an unusual day in New York. Hours earlier, the American had defeated Guto Miguel in a long and dramatic final to win the junior singles title . Latak became the first player since China's Wu Yibing in 2017 to compete in the same US Open junior men's singles and doubles finals. The title also has historical significance for González-Galino : he became the third Spanish champion in the men's junior doubles at the US Open , after Tomás Carbonell and Javier Sánchez Vicario , champions in 1986. 🟡 SEP 12, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Sabalenka and Rybakina decide US Open women's title Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka , 28, world number 1 and top seed , and Kazakh Elena Rybakina , 27, world number 2 and second seed , will compete this Saturday, September 12, in the women's singles final of the 2026 US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium. According to the tournament's official schedule, the match will begin no earlier than 4 PM New York time . Rybakina , although still officially ranked second in the world, has already secured the number 1 spot in the world according to the WTA world rankings immediately after the tournament, regardless of the outcome of today's final. Her victory over Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals mathematically guaranteed that she will surpass Sabalenka when the new rankings are published. This will be the first women's US Open final between the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds since 2013 , when Serena Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka. The match will also be a rematch of the 2026 Australian Open final , won by Rybakina. Sabalenka: consistency, power, and experience in New York Two-time US Open champion, with titles in 2024 and 2025 , Sabalenka reached the final after a very consistent campaign. The Belarusian went through the first four rounds without losing a set and faced her biggest challenge in the quarterfinals. Facing Czech player Linda Noskova , the 2026 Wimbledon champion, Sabalenka needed three sets and two tie-breaks to advance: she won 2 sets to 1, with scores of 7/6(1), 3/6 and 7/6(7) . In the semi-final, she delivered a more dominant performance against American Jessica Pegula , ranked No. 4 in the world and seeded No. 3. Sabalenka won in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2 , using the power and depth of her shots to pressure Pegula and gradually take control of the match. Sabalenka reaches the final having won 12 sets and lost only one , with 8 hours and 47 minutes of playing time. Furthermore, she has accumulated 19 consecutive victories at the US Open and will be playing her fourth consecutive final in New York . Her game is characterized by its power. The serve is an important weapon , but the pressure doesn't end with the first shot: Sabalenka seeks to take the initiative quickly with deep, fast shots from both her forehand and backhand. When she manages to play close to the baseline and control the pace of the rallies, she reduces the time her opponent has to organize the points. Over the past few years, however, her game has become less reliant solely on power. Sabalenka has improved the consistency of her serve, her movement, her defensive ability, and her timing for attacks. She also arrives at the final demonstrating confidence under pressure, an important aspect against an opponent who usually offers few opportunities in her service games. The Belarusian is seeking her fifth Grand Slam title and her third consecutive US Open title. If she wins, she will be the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win three consecutive titles in New York . Rybakina: serve, depth, and balance under pressure. Rybakina arrived in New York with a different background. A Wimbledon champion in 2022 and Australian Open champion in 2026 , she had never progressed beyond the round of 16 at the US Open. In this edition, she not only overcame that barrier but also reached her first final in the tournament. Like Sabalenka, she went through the first four rounds without losing a set . In the round of 16, she defeated Japan's Naomi Osaka , a two-time US Open champion, in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4 . In the next two matches, however, she needed to demonstrate her ability to react. In the quarterfinals, she lost the first set to China's Qinwen Zheng , but turned the match around and won 2 sets to 1, with scores of 3/6, 6/1 and 6/4 . It was precisely this victory that secured her the future leadership of the world ranking. In the semifinals, the situation repeated itself against American Coco Gauff , the 2023 US Open champion and fourth seed. After losing the first set, Rybakina maintained her composure, improved her serve, and increased the depth of her shots. She won 2 sets to 1, with scores of 3/6, 6/4, and 6/4 . Rybakina reaches the final with 12 sets won and two lost , after 9 hours and 43 minutes on the court. The serve is one of the main foundations of her game and could become even more important against Sabalenka . Rybakina looks to win points directly with her serve or produce a shorter return that allows her to attack immediately afterward. From the baseline, she uses flat, deep, and fast shots, capable of quickly changing a defensive situation to an offensive one. Another characteristic demonstrated in this campaign was emotional stability in difficult moments . Against Zheng and Gauff , she lost the first set, but did not abandon her playing style or resort to hasty solutions. Against Gauff , even in front of a crowd largely in favor of the American, she maintained her concentration and gradually found the conditions to turn the match around. Rybakina is seeking her third Grand Slam title and her second in 2026. To date, she has played in two Grand Slam finals and won both: Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026. What could decide the final? The match pits two of the most powerful players on the circuit against each other, but it's not just a contest of strength . Sabalenka will try to take the initiative from the first shots, putting pressure on Rybakina 's second serve and trying to prevent the Kazakh player from having time to organize her attacks. If she can maintain the depth and precision she demonstrated against Pegula , she may force Rybakina to frequently play from defensive positions. Rybakina , in turn, will need a high first serve percentage and depth in her returns. The more she can neutralize Sabalenka 's initial attack and prolong points in balanced conditions, the greater her chances of preventing the Belarusian from constantly dictating the pace of the match. Rybakina herself acknowledged after the semifinal that she will need to serve better and maintain an aggressive posture in the final. The historical record shows the balance of the matchup. Sabalenka leads 10 wins to 7 , but considering only matches on hard courts, the score is tied at 7-7 . In 2026 , they will have already faced each other three times. Sabalenka won in Indian Wells and Miami , while Rybakina won the most important match: the Australian Open final , in three sets. Who has the advantage? There is no clear favorite. Sabalenka seems to arrive at the final with a slight advantage , mainly due to her performance in New York and the experience of playing in her fourth consecutive final in the tournament. Throughout the six matches that led them to the final, Sabalenka also experienced less physical strain: she remained on the court for 8 hours and 47 minutes, compared to Rybakina's 9 hours and 43 minutes, and lost only one set, while the Kazakh player lost two. Rybakina , however, possesses characteristics that make this advantage quite small. Her serve can limit Sabalenka 's opportunities on returns, she has already demonstrated in this edition the ability to react after losing the first set, and she has a particularly important recent record: she beat Sabalenka in the final of this year's Australian Open . Thus, the trend points to a match decided by small margins : success rate on the first serve, quality of returns, number of errors when both players increase their power, and, above all, efficiency in high-pressure points. Sabalenka enters the court looking to confirm her recent dominance in New York with a third consecutive US Open title . Rybakina He will try to win his first trophy in the tournament and aims to take the world lead along with his second Grand Slam title in the same season . 🔵 SEP 12, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Marcel Latak will compete in two finals – on the same day – at the US Open Junior Championships. American Marcel Latak , 17, ranked No. 41 in the world junior rankings and not a seeded player , will have an unusual schedule at the US Open this Saturday, September 12th: he will compete in the men's singles and doubles finals of the junior tournament on the same day . The first match will be a singles match against Brazilian Guto Miguel , 17 years old, number 1 in the world junior ranking and number 1 seed , scheduled to start at 11 am New York time . Latak will then have another decision to face. Alongside fellow American Tanishk Konduri , he will face Frenchman Aaron Gabet and Spaniard Valentin Gonzalez-Galino in the doubles final, scheduled to begin no earlier than 12:00 PM . The indication “not before 12:00” means that this is only the minimum time established for the start of the match. As Latak will be playing the singles final starting at 11:00, the doubles final may start later, depending on the duration of the first match and the necessary interval before his return to the court. The situation is permitted by the tournament rules and is not unprecedented, but it represents a rare feat in the US Open Junior Championships . According to the US Open itself, the last player to simultaneously reach the men's singles and doubles finals in the same edition was the Chinese player Wu Yibing, in 2017 . Latak secured both spots on Friday. First, he defeated 18-year-old German Jamie Mackenzie , number 2 in the world junior rankings and number 2 seed , in straight sets, 6/3 and 7/6(2) , in the singles semi-final. Hours later, he returned to the court alongside Konduri and defeated Safir Azam and Damir Zhalgasbay 2 sets to 1, with scores of 6/3, 6/7(6) and 10/5 in the match tiebreak , also securing a place in the doubles final. Latak 's journey is even more remarkable because he arrived at the US Open without seeding . Now, on the final day of the junior men's competitions, he will have the opportunity to win two Grand Slam titles in just a few hours – although, before thinking about the second final, he faces Guto Miguel , who also reaches the final with an outstanding campaign and has already won two junior Grand Slam titles in 2026: Roland Garros in singles and Wimbledon in doubles . 🟡 SEP 12, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Guto Miguel and Marcel Latak will compete in the US Open junior final. Brazilian Guto Miguel , 17 years old, number 1 in the world junior ranking and number 1 seed , will face American Marcel Latak , also 17 years old, number 41 in the world junior ranking and without seeding status , in the men's singles final of the 2026 US Open Junior Tournament , this Saturday, September 12 , in New York, with the match scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM New York time, on court 12 of the US Open court complex. The two arrive at the final following very different paths. Guto entered the tournament as the top seed and already has two junior Grand Slam titles , both won in 2026: he was the Roland Garros singles champion and later won Wimbledon in doubles , partnering with Slovenian Žiga Šeško . The Brazilian's campaign at the US Open had its most critical moment in the quarterfinals. Facing American Jordan Lee , Wimbledon junior singles champion, Guto lost the first set, rallied in the second, and took the match to a tie-break in the third. During the tie-break, he showed signs of physical difficulty, but managed to... She saved three consecutive match points when she was down 9-8, 10-9, and 11-10 . After this series of risky situations, she won the tie-break 13-11 and secured her place in the semi-finals. In the next phase, Guto found a less turbulent path. He faced Austrian Thilo Behrmann, No. 6 in the world junior ranking and No. 7 seed , and won 2 sets to 0, with a double 6/4 , reaching his second junior Grand Slam singles final of the season . If he wins the title in New York, Guto will reach his third junior Grand Slam trophy in 2026 , considering both singles and doubles. More than that, he could become the first Brazilian to win two junior Grand Slam singles titles in the same season . Before him, the Brazilians who had already won the US Open junior singles title were Thiago Seyboth Wild, in 2018, and João Fonseca, in 2023 . On the other side of the court will be an opponent whose trajectory in the tournament is noteworthy precisely because he did not start among the favorites. Marcel Latak secured his participation in the US Open after winning a preparatory tournament held in Canada . From there, the American built a campaign marked by victories over higher-ranked players in the draw. In the first round, he eliminated Slovenian Žiga Šeško, the No. 6 seed . Later, he overcame Bulgarian Dimitar Kisimov, the No. 10 seed , in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. In the semi-final, Latak achieved his most impactful result to date. Against German Jamie Mackenzie, No. 2 in the world junior ranking and No. 2 seed , he produced 17 winners, including six aces , committed only eight unforced errors and won 2 sets to 0, with scores of 6/3 and 7/6(2) . Latak 's campaign also has an unusual feature: he simultaneously reached the finals of both the men's singles and doubles at the US Open Juniors. Hours after defeating Mackenzie , he qualified for the doubles final alongside fellow American Tanishk Konduri . The last player to compete in both men's junior finals at the same US Open was China's Wu Yibing, in 2017 . The match will therefore pit the leader of the junior rankings, already a winner of two Grand Slams this season, against an opponent who arrived at the US Open without seeding status and built his campaign by successively eliminating some of the tournament's top seeds . For Guto Miguel , the final represents an opportunity to extend a season that has already placed him among the top names in world junior tennis. For Marcel Latak , it will be the chance to complete a surprising campaign with a title at home – and, still at the same US Open, also compete for the doubles trophy.

Events that are shaping the tournament in New York. High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá Introduction and legend: click or tap to open The 2026 US Open is underway in New York, and throughout the tournament, events both on and off the courts are helping to shape the history of this edition. This section gathers noteworthy facts from the competition, such as withdrawals. ...and player substitutions, lucky losers, entering the tournament, high-impact results , highly anticipated matches, records and remarkable achievements, as well as curiosities, celebrity appearances, and other events that keep the tournament buzzing. Information will be added throughout the 2026 US Open as relevant events occur, without the intention of covering every match or providing complete results coverage. For that purpose, Part 3 of the series provides the dashboard. Follow the 2026 US Open in real time , with access to the match schedule, results, brackets, and other up-to-date tournament information. Follow the updates below, from newest to oldest. The colors identify the different types of events and make it easier to find the topics of interest as you browse the page: 🟣 HIGHLIGHT — Big surprises and impactful events. ⚫CHANGE TO THE DRAW — Withdrawals, retirements, replacements, lucky losers and wild cards. 🟡 KEEP AN EYE OUT — Matches and events that deserve attention. 🔵 FEAT AND RECORD — Historic milestones and exceptional performances. 🔴 OFF THE COURT — Personalities and events inside and outside the complex. 🟤 CURIOSITY — Unusual stories and situations from the tournament. This post has been completed. The latest US Open 2026 updates continue in “US Open 2026 Updates (Continued 2)”. See the latest updates → 🟣 SEP 11, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Shelton defeats Tiafoe and will play in his first Grand Slam final. American Ben Shelton , 23, world number 9 and 8th seed , qualified for his first Grand Slam final by defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe , 28, world number 12 and 11th seed , 3 sets to 1, with scores of 4/6, 6/3, 6/3 and 7/5 . The semifinal was played on Friday, September 11 , at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, with kickoff scheduled for 7 pm local time . Tiafoe started better. Using his speed, ability to vary his shots, and aggression at the right moments, he mainly sought to exploit Shelton 's backhand . As the first set approached its conclusion, he pressured his opponent's serve and managed a break that allowed him to open up a 5-4 lead . He then held his own serve and won the set 6-4 . Shelton responded in the second set by increasing the intensity of his game. The American began to use his powerful left-handed serve more effectively , combined with aggressive baseline shots, and managed to reduce the space for Tiafoe to take the initiative in the rallies. The increased pressure on his opponent resulted in the break needed for Shelton to close out the set 6-3 and level the match. The change in dynamics continued in the third set. Shelton maintained his power, but didn't rely solely on it: he showed defensive ability to stay in the points when Tiafoe managed to take the initiative and waited for opportunities to turn defense into attack. In the fifth game, he managed to break his opponent's serve and controlled the advantage until closing out the set again at 6-3 , taking a 2-1 lead. The fourth set was the most balanced of the match. Tiafoe withstood the pressure and used his movement and variety of shots to stay in the game, while Shelton continued to find important protection in his serve during the most demanding moments. Unable to gain an advantage for much of the set, the two finished tied at 5-5 . It was in the final stretch that Shelton managed to apply the decisive pressure and held his serve to make it 6-5 , forcing Tiafoe to serve to stay in the match. Under pressure, Tiafoe committed a double fault on the point that ended the match , allowing Shelton to break serve, close out the set 7-5 , and secure a 3-1 victory . The semifinal showcased important qualities from both players. Tiafoe once again demonstrated the speed, athleticism, ability to change the pace of rallies, and to transform defensive situations into attacking opportunities that led him to his third US Open semifinal. His campaign in New York will also have repercussions in the rankings: he should reach the world number 8 position , the best of his career. Shelton , for his part, confirmed that his game has been acquiring resources beyond what remains his most impressive shot: the serve . The power of his serve, the fast groundstrokes, and the aggressive forehand have been accompanied by a growing ability to defend, build points, and maintain intensity under pressure. After eliminating the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in five sets in the quarterfinals, he managed to maintain a high level of competitiveness against another opponent who had been having a remarkable run. At 23 years old , Shelton For the first time, he reaches the final of a Grand Slam . This qualification also presents an opportunity for American men's tennis that hasn't occurred in over two decades: no American has won a Grand Slam men's singles title since Andy Roddick, who won the US Open in 2003 . In the final on Sunday, September 13th , Shelton will face Germany's Alexander Zverev , world number 2 and top seed in the tournament, who defeated Russia's Karen Khachanov in the other semifinal. It will be the first ever Grand Slam match between Shelton and Zverev , pitting two players against each other who reach the final at important moments in their careers: the American seeking his first Grand Slam title and the German trying to win his second. 🔵 SEP 11, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Zverev defeats Khachanov and reaches his third consecutive Grand Slam final. German Alexander Zverev , 29, world No. 2 and No. 1 seed , qualified for the final of the 2026 US Open by defeating Russian Karen Khachanov , 30, world No. 50 and unseeded , in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) . The semi-final was played on Friday, September 11 , at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, with kick-off scheduled for 3 pm local time . Despite the score being decided in sets, the match was highly balanced, especially in the last two sets. Both tennis players, both with... 1.98 m Standing tall , their games are based on powerful serves and strong shots from the baseline . Khachanov, former world No. 8 and US Open semi-finalist in 2022 , came into the match demonstrating once again his ability to produce aggressive and deep shots. During the tournament, he had eliminated, among other opponents, the No. 3 seed, Felix Auger-Aliassime . In the first set, both players held serve until Zverev won a game when Khachanov was serving , with the score at 4-3 for the German. With the break of serve, Zverev went up 5-3 and then held his own serve to close out the set 6-3 after 37 minutes. Zverev also showed a willingness to vary his performance: he went to the net nine times in the set and won all nine points , preventing the match from being limited to power exchanges from the baseline. The second set showcased the resilience of both players. Khachanov started with difficulties on his serve and suffered a break in the very first game, but responded shortly after. When Zverev was serving at 1-2, Khachanov applied pressure and recovered the break after a double fault from the German. From then on, neither player conceded their serve again, and the set was decided in a tie-break . It was at this moment that Zverev's competitive ability became important. The German reached the tiebreak with an excellent record of 25 wins and 12 losses in tie-breaks this season and mainly used his serve to overcome moments of pressure. After an exchange of 22 shots and wasting two opportunities to close out the set, he converted the third and won the tie-break 9-7 , establishing a 2-0 set lead. Khachanov , however, produced his best tennis in the third set . More aggressive and consistent, he managed to take the set to a tie-break again , also taking advantage of a drop in Zverev 's first serve percentage . Khachanov started the tie-break better, winning the first three points and even opening up a 5-2 lead . The most critical moment of the match occurred shortly after. Khachanov reached 6-4 and had two set points to take the semifinal to a fourth set. Zverev reacted just when he was under the most pressure: he won the next four points , turned the tie-break around and closed the set 8-6 , confirming the 3-0 victory . The match highlighted some of Zverev 's main qualities . Besides his powerful serve and deep groundstrokes , Zverev demonstrated the ability to vary his game with net approaches and, most importantly, maintain a high level of competitiveness in decisive points . This characteristic was crucial in both tie-breaks, especially in the third set, when he was two points away from losing the set and managed to win four consecutive points. The qualification represents a significant achievement in Zverev's season : he will compete in his third consecutive Grand Slam final in 2026. After winning Roland Garros , his first Grand Slam title, he reached the Wimbledon final , where he was runner-up, and will now also compete for the US Open title. His record in Grand Slam tournaments this season is 24 wins and only two losses . His journey in New York also demonstrates his ability to recover. Zverev had to play five sets in the first two rounds and accumulated 16 hours and 40 minutes on the court to reach the semi-finals , the longest time recorded by a player on the way to that stage of the US Open. After the initial difficulties, however, he raised his performance and won the next four matches without losing a single set . This will be Zverev's second US Open final . In 2020, he was two sets away from winning, but ended up being defeated by Austrian Dominic Thiem . Six years later, he returns to the final in a different situation: now as a Grand Slam champion and the tournament's number 1 seed , seeking the second Grand Slam title of his career. 🔵 SEP 11, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Doubles: Siniakova and Townsend win the US Open and complete their Career Grand Slam. Czech player Katerina Siniakova and American Taylor Townsend won the women's doubles title at the 2026 US Open on Friday, September 11th , at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. They defeated Americans Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery , who received a wild card to compete in the tournament, by 2 sets to 1, with scores of 5/7, 6/0 and 6/2 . The match started with difficulties for the favorites. Siniakova and Townsend managed to react in the first set , winning 13 consecutive points and leveling the score at 4-4 . Krueger and Montgomery , however, withstood the pressure . When Siniakova was serving at 5-6 to take the set to a tie-break, she committed three double faults in the game , including on the point that ended the set 7-5 for the Americans. Node In the second set, Siniakova and Townsend were dominant , controlling the rallies, increasing their efficiency at the net, and giving their opponents virtually no opportunities. They won 23 of 27 points at one point in the match and closed out the set 6-0 in just 24 minutes . Throughout the set, they produced 11 winners and committed only two unforced errors. In the third set, experience and the ability to play as a pair made the difference. Siniakova and Townsend managed a break of serve after a long game and took the lead. In the final game of the match, however, they faced difficulties again: Siniakova , serving for the title, committed double faults and the pair had to save five break points . Townsend 's performance at the net was important in resisting the opponents' comeback, before the pair confirmed the victory 6-2 . The title has historical significance. Siniakova and Townsend together completed the Career Grand Slam , a term given to winning all four Grand Slam tournaments in their careers . The partnership had already won Wimbledon in 2024, the Australian Open in 2025, and Roland Garros in 2026. The only thing missing was the US Open, a tournament where they were runners-up in 2025. For 30-year-old Taylor Townsend , the victory also represents her first US Open women's doubles title , after reaching the final in 2022 and 2025. The American also became the sixth active tennis player to complete the Career Grand Slam in doubles . Katerina Siniakova 's achievement is even rarer. The Czech player won her 12th Grand Slam doubles title and became the first tennis player in history to complete the Career Grand Slam alongside two different partners . Before achieving four titles with Townsend, she had already won all her Grand Slam titles partnering with fellow Czech Barbora Krejcikova . The victory confirms Siniakova and Townsend as one of the most outstanding partnerships on the current circuit. After losing the first set of the final, their ability to react, their court coverage, their performance at the net, and their teamwork allowed them to take control of the match and transform an initially difficult final into a victory that went down in the history of women's doubles. 🟣 SEP 10, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Sabalenka and Rybakina win the semifinals and will compete for the US Open title. The women's semifinals of the 2026 US Open were played on Thursday evening, September 10th, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. In the first match of the evening session, which began at 7 pm , Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka defeated American Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2 . Following that, around 8:55 pm , Kazakh Elena Rybakina faced American Coco Gauff and won, coming from behind, 2-1, with scores of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 . Sabalenka x Pegula The first set showed the expected balance between two opponents who know each other well. Both protected their service games even when under pressure: Pegula saved a break point in the fourth game, while Sabalenka had to resist when the American threatened her serve at 4-4 . The set was decided when Pegula was serving at 5-6 to take it to a tie-break. Sabalenka created three consecutive break opportunities and took advantage of the second to close out the set 7-5 after 43 minutes. From then on, the power, depth, and precision of Sabalenka's shots began to dictate the pace of the match. The Belarusian managed a break of serve to take a 3-1 lead in the second set and made it increasingly difficult for Pegula to redirect the ball and use the speed of her opponent's shots to her advantage. Sabalenka finished the match with 29 winners and broke the American's serve again in the final game to close out the set 6-2 and the match in 80 minutes. The performance highlighted some of the main qualities of the two-time champion Sabalenka : a powerful serve, aggressive and deep shots from both sides of the court, and the ability to take the initiative in rallies . Pegula tried to respond with the consistency, precision, and redirection that characterize her game, but, especially in the second set, she found few opportunities against the intensity imposed by her opponent. With the victory, Sabalenka reached her fourth consecutive US Open final and extended her winning streak in the tournament to 19 matches . The two-time champion is now seeking her third consecutive title in New York. Rybakina x Gauff In the second semifinal , Coco Gauff started better . The American withstood the pressure from Rybakina 's shots , using her movement and defensive solidity to prolong the rallies and, at the same time, found opportunities to take the initiative. In the sixth game, she broke the Kazakh's serve to open up a 4-2 lead and, after holding her own serve without losing a point, built a 5-2 advantage . Gauff closed out the first set 6-3 . Rybakina , however, remained calm and began to impose one of the strongest combinations of her game with greater efficiency: a powerful serve and deep, fast shots from the baseline . She capitalized on Gauff 's errors in the second set and won the set 6-4 , taking the match to a third. The decisive set was the most critical moment of the match. Rybakina increased the intensity of her game and managed a break to open up a 5-3 lead , putting her just one game away from the final. Gauff reacted immediately and broke back, reducing the score to 5-4 . However, the American's chance of a comeback was short-lived: in the following game, Rybakina again pressured Gauff's serve, managed another break, and closed out the set 6-4 and the match 2 sets to 1 . The comeback showed characteristics that have marked Rybakina 's evolution : in addition to her well-known powerful serve and groundstrokes , the Kazakh player demonstrated emotional control and the ability to maintain an aggressive game even under pressure . After losing the first set and facing an opponent supported by the majority of the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, she did not abandon her strategy and managed to raise her level in the decisive moments. Rybakina thus reaches her first career US Open final . The 2022 Wimbledon champion and 2026 Australian Open champion will compete for her third Grand Slam title and, regardless of the outcome of the final, will assume the position of [missing information - likely a title or title] for the first time. Number 1 in the world . Pegula and Gauff 's defeats also produced an unusual milestone for American tennis: 2026 became the first year since 2006 in which no American female tennis player competed in a women's singles final at any of the four Grand Slam tournaments . The final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will be played on Saturday, September 12th, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, starting no earlier than 4 PM (New York time) . 🟤 SEP 10, 2026 · CURIOSITY Junior Tournament: Ambidextrous Teo Davidov draws attention at the US Open by switching his racket from hand to hand during points. American Teo Davidov , just 16 years old , caught attention at the 2026 US Open junior tournament for displaying a very rare style in tennis : he is ambidextrous, switching the racket hand during points and executing forehands with both his right and left hands , dispensing with the backhand as a regular shot. This change can occur several times during the same point and, according to the tennis player himself, has become an automatic movement in his game. According to The Guardian , he is the only player in this edition of the US Open - among men, women and juniors - to play in this way . The skill isn't limited to rallies. Davidov can also serve with both hands. Generally, he uses his right hand on one side of the court and his left hand on the other, and he can change this choice depending on his opponent and the spin he wants to impart to the ball. This ability creates unusual possibilities for angles and spin on the serve and allows him to exploit the more vulnerable side of the returning player. The technique is attracting attention even among important names in tennis. Former world number 1 and US Open champion Andy Roddick considers Davidov's potential particularly interesting. Serving efficiently both right-handed and left-handed , indicating competitive potential in this characteristic. Born in Bulgaria and raised in the United States since childhood, Davidov began developing this style of play in his early years. In 2025 , he became the first tennis player born in 2010 to advance through the qualifying rounds of an ITF M15 professional tournament , and in 2026 , he reached the semifinals of an M15 tournament in Naples, Florida , a result that earned him his first ATP ranking points . At this year's US Open junior tournament , Davidov was eliminated in the first round of singles by South African Connor Doig , in straight sets, 7-6(4) and 6-3 . In doubles, he played alongside fellow American Tyler Lee . Participation in the tournament, therefore, was not notable for the result, but for showcasing an extremely unusual way of playing tennis to a Grand Slam audience . At 16 years old, Davidov is still at the beginning of his career, but he demonstrates exceptional potential due to his rare technical skills in the sport . He still has plenty of time to develop, and if he manages to translate this versatility into competitive performance , he could become a particularly difficult opponent to face. Only time will tell. 🟡 SEP 10, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Shelton and Tiafoe are vying for a spot in the final after two extraordinary matches. Two Americans will face off on Friday, September 11 , at Arthur Ashe Stadium, at 7:00 PM (New York time), in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 US Open . American Ben Shelton , 23 years old , world No. 9 and No. 8 seed , will face American Frances Tiafoe , 28 years old , world No. 12 and No. 11 seed , for a spot in the men's final. Both players have offensive styles, but with their own characteristics. Shelton, a left-hander, has his serve as one of his main weapons —a stroke recognized as one of the most powerful on the circuit—and combines this power with an equally aggressive forehand, increasingly efficient returns, and angled shots , characteristics that allow him to shorten points and pressure his opponents. This power was evident in the quarterfinals, when he finished his victory over Carlos Alcaraz with an ace of 146 mph (approximately 235 km/h) . Tiafoe, a right-handed player, also uses a powerful serve, but he stands out especially for his aggressive play, speed, athleticism, and variety of skills. He seeks to take the initiative in points, using a combination of serve and forehand to attack , as well as exploiting changes of pace, approaches to the net, and ball accelerations in different positions on the court . His speed also allows him to transform defensive situations into counter-attack opportunities. At this year's US Open, the tournament's official website highlighted precisely his explosive style , a characteristic that combines power, mobility, and aggressiveness in building points. The two reach the semifinals after delivering memorable quarterfinal matches. Tiafoe staged a great comeback against Alex Michelsen : he was down by two sets and a break of serve , but turned the match around and won 3 sets to 2 , with scores of 5/7, 3/6, 7/5, 6/3 and 7/6(6) . It is his third US Open semifinal appearance, following his campaigns in 2022 and 2024. A few hours later, Shelton eliminated then-champion Carlos Alcaraz in another five-set battle. The American won 3 sets to 2 , with scores of 6/7(5), 6/1, 6/3, 1/6 and 7/6(7) , securing his first victory against a Top 3 opponent. The match ended at 3:33 am , becoming the latest finish in US Open history. Shelton is also having a remarkable season. He has already won seven ATP titles in his career , four of them in 2026 alone: Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal . In Canada, he defended the title he won the previous year. Tiafoe has four ATP titles : Delray Beach (2018), Houston (2023), Stuttgart (2023) and Halle (2026) . This year's title in Halle , an ATP 500 tournament played on grass , is the biggest of his career so far. In the final, against Taylor Fritz , he lost only seven points in his service games, in a performance where the ATP highlighted the combination of power and precision in his serve . The matchup also has history. Shelton leads the head-to-head 3-1 , and this will be the third time the two have faced each other at the US Open . In 2023 , Shelton defeated Tiafoe in the quarterfinals ; in 2024 , Tiafoe got his revenge in the third round , in five sets. Shelton won again in their most recent encounter, in the quarterfinals of the Mubadala Citi DC Open, an ATP 500 hard-court tournament played in Washington in 2025 , by 2 sets to 0, with scores of 7/6(2) and 6/4 . Now, for the first time , they meet in a Grand Slam semifinal . The winner will play his first Grand Slam singles final on Sunday and keep alive the possibility of ending a long drought for American men's tennis: Andy Roddick, in 2003, was the last American to win the men's US Open . 🟡 SEP 10, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT The four top seeds compete in the semifinals today. The women's semifinals of the US Open will be played this Thursday, September 10th , bringing together the top four seeds of the tournament , something that hasn't happened in a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2009. In the first match, at 7 p.m. New York time , Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka , 28, world number 1 and number 1 seed , will face American Jessica Pegula , 32, world number 3 and number 3 seed , at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Two-time consecutive US Open champion Sabalenka is aiming for a third title and could become the first woman since Serena Williams , between 2012 and 2014 , to win three consecutive titles in New York. Sabalenka, a right-handed player, has power as one of the most striking characteristics of her game. Her serve is an important weapon for winning points directly or taking control of rallies from the first ball, while her forehand and backhand are executed with great speed and depth , allowing her to pressure her opponents from the baseline. The Belarusian player seeks to take the initiative and shorten the points , but her competitive evolution also depends on greater consistency in her serve and the ability to maintain this aggressive style under pressure . In the quarterfinals of this US Open, for example, she reacted when she was a break down ( Noskova had won a game in which Sabalenka was serving) in the third set against Linda Noskova and even closed the match with an ace on her second serve . Pegula , for her part, is seeking her first Grand Slam title . Her best result in a tournament of this category was at the 2024 US Open, when she reached the final and was defeated by Sabalenka, her opponent in today's semifinal . The two faced each other again in the semifinal of the 2025 US Open , with Sabalenka again winning . Pegula, also right-handed, displays a more balanced game based primarily on precision, consistency, and the ability to redirect the ball. She executes flat and deep shots from both sides , is able to absorb her opponent's power, and quickly change the direction of the rallies—characteristics that are particularly important against aggressive players like Sabalenka . His serve has gained power in recent years , as have his court coverage and ability to use the speed of his opponent's shots to his advantage. Pegula also has resources such as slices, drop shots, and net approaches , which allow him to vary the way he builds up his points. Against Sabalenka , one of her main advantages will be precisely avoiding predictable patterns , changing the direction of the ball and forcing the Belarusian to produce her powerful shots in motion , instead of allowing her to dictate the points comfortably from the baseline. This Thursday's match will therefore be the third consecutive year that Pegula and Sabalenka have met in New York, always in a semi-final or final , highlighting the magnitude of the challenge that the American will have to overcome to compete for the title again. Following this match, Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina , 27, world number 2 and second seed , will face American Coco Gauff , 22, world number 4 and fourth seed . Rybakina has already guaranteed that she will assume the world number one ranking for the first time after the US Open and is seeking her third Grand Slam title. The Kazakh player has already won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026 , her best results in tournaments of this category. Gauff is also a two-time Grand Slam champion: she won the US Open in 2023 and Roland Garros in 2025. The American is now trying to reach her second final in New York and win her third Grand Slam title. 🔴 SEP 9, 2026 · OFF THE COURT Williams sisters boost US Open viewership on ESPN. The participation of Americans Serena Williams , 44, and Venus Williams , 46, in the women's doubles at the US Open also had an impact off the courts. According to data released by ESPN , television coverage on the evening of September 4th during the sisters' appearance reached an average of 1.2 million viewers in the United States , with a peak of 2.2 million between 10:00 PM and 10:15 PM Eastern Time. ESPN and ESPN2 's full coverage that Friday averaged 1.1 million viewers , a 17% increase compared to 2025 . This performance contributed to the US Open reaching an average of 846,000 viewers on ESPN broadcasts by the end of the third round , the largest audience at this stage of the tournament since 2022 , the year of Serena's last participation before her return to competition in 2026 . In the match that helped boost those numbers, Serena and Venus were eliminated by the No. 14 seeds, Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint , after more than three hours of play . Arthur Ashe Stadium hosted approximately 23,000 spectators for the match. 🔵 SEP 9, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Zverev surpasses Becker's record and completes four Grand Slam semifinals this year. German Alexander Zverev , 29, world No. 2 and No. 1 seed , defeated Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp , 30, world No. 70 and unseeded, in straight sets , 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 , to advance to the US Open semifinals. The match began on September 9th, around 8:00 PM, at Arthur Ashe Stadium , and ended later that evening, after approximately two hours of play . With the victory, Zverev reached 23 wins in Grand Slam matches in 2026, surpassing Boris Becker's record of 22 wins in 1989. between German tennis players in the same season. Zverev also achieved another unprecedented feat in his career: reaching the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in the same season - the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. In the semifinals in New York, the German will face the Russian Karen Khachanov , 30 years old, ranked No. 50 in the world and not a seeded player . 🟣 SEP 9, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Doubles: surprising comeback decides US Open semifinal Brazilian Luisa Stefani and Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski , the number 2 seeds , came very close to the final of the US Open women's doubles, but were defeated in a comeback by Americans Robin Montgomery and Ashlyn Krueger , who received a wild card , by 2 sets to 1 , with scores of 4/6, 6/4 and 7/6 , with 10/8 in the match tiebreak . Stefani and Dabrowski were serving to close out the match in the third set and had two match points , but Montgomery and Krueger managed to break serve and take the set to a tiebreak. In the match tiebreak , the Brazilian and the Canadian opened up a significant 8-2 lead , leaving them just two points away from victory . The Americans' reaction , however, was extraordinary : Montgomery and Krueger scored eight consecutive points , turned the score around to 10-8 , and secured their place in the final. Despite their elimination, the Stefani-Dabrowski duo ended their participation in the US Open after reaching at least the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in 2026. 🟣 SEP 9, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Gauff saves two match points and turns the match against Andreeva American Coco Gauff , 22, ranked No. 4 in the world and seeded No. 4 , came very close to elimination, but managed a great comeback against Russian Mirra Andreeva , 19, ranked No. 5 in the world and seeded No. 5 , to reach the US Open semifinals. Gauff won 2 sets to 1 , with scores of 2/6, 7/6(7) and 6/2 . In the second set tiebreak, the American saved two match points before winning 9/7 and taking the decision to a third set. One of the defining moments of the comeback occurred in the tiebreak , when Gauff won an extraordinary 39-stroke exchange by hitting a drop shot close to the net that Andreeva couldn't reach. The 2023 US Open champion will face Elena Rybakina in the semifinals , who secured the world number one ranking on Wednesday . With Gauff's qualification, the top four seeds have now reached the women's semifinals: Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff. ⚫ SEP 9, 2026 · CHANGE TO THE DRAW Blockx abandons the match and Khachanov advances to the semifinals The historic campaign of Belgian Alexander Blockx , 21 years old, world No. 34 and No. 28 seed , ended in the quarterfinals due to physical problems . Blockx abandoned his match against Russian Karen Khachanov , 30 years old, ranked 50th in the world and not a seeded player , when his opponent was winning 2 sets to 0 , with scores of 6/2 and 7/5 , and leading the third set 3/2 . The match ended after 1 hour and 37 minutes. The Belgian had already arrived at the match with a rib injury , which almost forced him to abandon his previous game against Francisco Cerúndolo . On Wednesday, he also experienced problems with his right foot, thigh, and back , received medical attention, and was ultimately unable to continue. Khachanov thus advanced to his second US Open semi-final , after 2022 , and to his third Grand Slam semi-final of his career . Blockx capped off a historic run in his first US Open main draw appearance: he became the first Belgian men to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament . 🔵 SEP 9, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Rybakina defeats Zheng and secures the world number 1 ranking for the first time. Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina , 27, world number 2 and second seed , defeated China's Zheng Qinwen , 23, who came through qualifying , and reached the US Open semifinals for the first time . Rybakina won 2 sets to 1 , coming from behind, with scores of 3/6, 6/1 and 6/4 . In addition to qualifying, the victory secured Rybakina a historic achievement: she will assume the top spot in the WTA world rankings for the first time in her career , surpassing Aryna Sabalenka after the conclusion of the US Open. Rybakina will be the 30th tennis player to reach the number 1 ranking in the WTA and the first representative of Kazakhstan, among men and women, to reach the top of the world singles ranking . The new number one will face Coco Gauff for a spot in the final. 🟣 SEP 9, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Shelton eliminates Alcaraz in a battle that ends at 3:33 AM. American Ben Shelton , 23, ranked No. 9 in the ATP rankings and seeded No. 8 , pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open by eliminating Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz , 23, ranked No. 3 in the ATP rankings and seeded No. 2, and the reigning champion of the tournament . Shelton won 3 sets to 2 , with scores of 6/7(5), 6/1, 6/3, 1/6 and 7/6(7) . In the match tiebreak , the American won 10/7 . The match began at 11:05 PM on September 8th and ended at 3:33 AM on September 9th, New York local time , after 4 hours and 28 minutes . It was the latest finish to a match in US Open history . Shelton also secured his first victory over Alcaraz and became the first American to defeat the Spaniard in a Grand Slam tournament , ending Alcaraz's streak of 13 wins over American players in Grand Slams. The result set up an all-American semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe , guaranteeing the United States a representative in the men's final.

Events that are shaping the tournament in New York. High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá Introduction and legend: click or tap to open The 2026 US Open is underway in New York, and throughout the tournament, events both on and off the courts are helping to shape the history of this edition. This section gathers noteworthy facts from the competition, such as withdrawals. ...and player substitutions, lucky losers, entering the tournament, high-impact results , highly anticipated matches, records and remarkable achievements, as well as curiosities, celebrity appearances, and other events that keep the tournament buzzing. Information will be added throughout the 2026 US Open as relevant events occur, without the intention of covering every match or providing complete results coverage. For that purpose, Part 3 of the series provides the dashboard. Follow the 2026 US Open in real time , with access to the match schedule, results, brackets, and other up-to-date tournament information. Follow the updates below, from newest to oldest. The colors identify the different types of events and make it easier to find the topics of interest as you browse the page: 🟣 HIGHLIGHT — Big surprises and impactful events. ⚫CHANGE TO THE DRAW — Withdrawals, retirements, replacements, lucky losers and wild cards. 🟡 KEEP AN EYE OUT — Matches and events that deserve attention. 🔵 FEAT AND RECORD — Historic milestones and exceptional performances. 🔴 OFF THE COURT — Personalities and events inside and outside the complex. 🟤 CURIOSITY — Unusual stories and situations from the tournament. This post has been completed. The latest US Open 2026 updates continue in “US Open 2026 Updates (Continued)”. See the latest updates → 🟣 SEP 8, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Tiafoe overturns a 0-2 deficit and advances to the semifinals after a 4 hour and 38 minute battle. American Frances Tiafoe , 28, ranked No. 12 in the world and seeded No. 11 , staged a remarkable comeback against compatriot Alex Michelsen , 22, ranked No. 46 in the world and not seeded . Michelsen won the first two sets and even served to close out the match in the third , but Tiafoe rallied. After 4 hours and 38 minutes , Tiafoe completed the comeback and won 3 sets to 2 , with scores of 5/7, 3/6, 7/5, 6/3 and 7/6(6) . The fifth set was decided in a match tiebreak , won by Tiafoe 10/6 . With this result, the American reached his third US Open semifinal of his career , after his campaigns in 2022 and 2024 , and kept alive the possibility of ending the long period without an American champion in the men's singles draw in New York. 🔵 SEP 8, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Doubles: Stefani and Dabrowski reach their fourth Grand Slam semifinal in 2026 Brazilian Luisa Stefani and Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski , the number 2 seeds , advanced to the women's doubles semifinals by defeating Chinese pair Jiang Xinyu and Zhang Shuai , the number 7 seeds, in straight sets , 6-3, 6-4 . The ranking established a sequence of great consistency: Stefani and Dabrowski reached the semifinals together in all four Grand Slam tournaments played in 2026 . The pair reached the semifinals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros , were runners-up at Wimbledon , and are now once again among the top four at the US Open . For Stefani , the qualification also represents a special return: five years later, she returns to the US Open women's doubles semifinals alongside the same partner . In 2021 , the Brazilian and Canadian reached this stage before the campaign ended after Stefani suffered a serious knee injury during the semifinals. The pair have already won three titles in the 2026 season and secured qualification for the WTA Finals . 🟣 SEP 8, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Sabalenka reacts in the third set and keeps the dream of a third championship alive. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka , 28, world number 1 and number 1 seed , faced one of the toughest matches of her campaign when she overcame Czech Linda Noskova , 21, number 6 seed and 2026 Wimbledon champion . Sabalenka won 2 sets to 1 , with scores of 7/6(1), 3/6 and 7/6(7) , after being down 4/2 in the third set . The match went to a tiebreak , which the world number 1 won 10/7 . With the victory, Sabalenka reached the US Open semifinals for the sixth consecutive year and kept alive the possibility of winning the tournament for the third time in a row . The Belarusian, champion in 2024 and 2025 , reached the semifinals with a streak of 19 consecutive victories at the US Open . 🔵 SEP 7, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Zverev completes quarterfinals in all four Grand Slams of 2026. German Alexander Zverev , 29, world No. 2 and No. 1 seed , defeated Italian Luciano Darderi , 24, world No. 22 and No. 21 seed , in straight sets , 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) . With this qualification, Zverev has secured at least the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2026. It was the first time in his career that the German had managed to reach this stage in all four Grand Slams in the same season. The achievement also equaled a German record set by Boris Becker in 1989 . In the US Open quarterfinals, Zverev will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp , who won the 5-hour and 13-minute battle against Arthur Gea . 🔵 SEP 7, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Van de Zandschulp saves match point and wins 5h13 battle against Gea Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp , 30 years old, ranked 70th in the world and unseeded , delivered one of the biggest battles of the 2026 US Open by defeating Frenchman Arthur Gea , 21 years old and ranked 87th. from the world, without seeded status and a lucky loser ; after being down 2 sets to 0 . Van de Zandschulp won 3 sets to 2 , with scores of 3/6, 6/7(0), 7/6(7), 7/6(3) and 6/4 , after 5h13min . Gea had match point in the third-set tiebreak , but the Dutchman managed to save it and began a comeback that would include another tiebreak before the fifth and decisive set. This was the longest match of the 2026 US Open up to that point . The defeat also ended an unusual campaign for De Gea . After losing in the final round of qualifying , he entered the main draw as a lucky loser and was just one point away from becoming the first lucky loser in men's tennis to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament . 🟡 SEP 7, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Rybakina eliminates Osaka and will face Zheng in a match that also competes for the number 1 ranking. Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina , 27, world No. 2 and No. 2 seed , eliminated Japan's Naomi Osaka , 28, world No. 13 and No. 13 seed , in straight sets , 6-1, 6-4 , to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open. The victory set up one of the most anticipated matches of the next round: Rybakina vs. Zheng Qinwen . The Chinese player reaches the quarterfinals after staging two consecutive comebacks from a 5-0 set deficit—against Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek. The duel will also have important consequences for the race for the world number one ranking, which Rybakina is seeking to achieve for the first time. The Kazakh player enters the match without having lost a single set in the first four rounds of the 2026 US Open. 🔵 SEP 7, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Blockx overcomes pain, defeats Cerúndolo and makes history for Belgium. Belgian Alexander Blockx , 21, ranked 34th in the world and seeded 28th , reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final by defeating Argentinian Francisco Cerúndolo , 28, ranked 25th in the world and seeded 24th , in three sets , 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 . This achievement takes on special significance because it marks Blockx's first appearance in the main draw of the US Open . He also became the first Belgian male tennis player to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament . The campaign almost ended during the match itself. Blockx revealed that he felt a sharp pain in his rib area during the second game and received medical attention. According to the Belgian, had he lost the third set, there was a strong possibility he would have abandoned the match. In the two previous rounds, Blockx had already drawn attention by defeating American Sebastian Korda and eliminating Italian Flavio Cobolli , then the No. 5 seed. 🟣 SEP 7, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Zheng comes back from 0-5 down for the second consecutive game and eliminates Swiatek. Chinese player Zheng Qinwen , 23 years old, ranked 121st in the world, coming from the qualifying rounds and without seeding status , pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open by eliminating Polish player Iga Swiatek , 25 years old, ranked 8th in the world and seeded 8th , in the round of 16. Zheng won in straight sets , 7-5, 6-3 , but the score doesn't reflect the magnitude of her comeback in the first set. Swiatek opened with a 5-0 lead before the Chinese player won seven consecutive games to close out the set 7-5 . The feat gains even greater significance because it was the second consecutive match in which Zheng overturned a 0/5 deficit . In the third round , against American Madison Keys , she was down 0/5 in the third set , saved a match point, and ended up winning the match. With her victory over Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion and six-time Grand Slam title winner , Zheng advanced to the quarterfinals and became the first player to come through qualifying to reach this stage of the tournament since Emma Raducanu, the 2021 champion . The campaign also marks an important comeback for the Chinese athlete, Olympic champion in Paris 2024 , after a period affected by physical problems and surgery. 🔵 SEP 7, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Andreeva reaches the US Open quarterfinals for the first time. Russian Mirra Andreeva , 19, ranked No. 5 in the world and seeded No. 5 , reached the US Open quarterfinals for the first time in her career. Andreeva defeated Austrian Anastasia Potapova , 25 years old, world number 25 and 24th seed , by 2 sets to 1 , coming from behind, with scores of 5/7, 6/4 and 6/3 , after about two and a half hours of play . Until this edition, Andreeva had never gone beyond the third round in New York. The young Russian, who won Roland Garros in 2026 , has now reached at least the quarterfinals in three of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The match also had a moment of sportsmanship. In the third set, when Potapova She suffered a fall and complained of pain in her left leg. Andreeva immediately went to her opponent, helped her to her chair, and asked for ice for treatment . Potapova managed to return to the court, albeit with difficulty, and the two embraced for a long time at the end of the match. 🔵 SEP 6, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Five Americans reached the men's round of 16 for the first time since 1995. The 2026 US Open saw the largest male American presence in the Round of 16 in 31 years . Five Americans reached this stage: Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen, Learner Tien, and Tommy Paul . The last time at least five tennis players from the United States simultaneously reached the round of 16 in the men's draw of the US Open was in 1995 . The brand gains relevance given the long period without an American men's singles champion in Grand Slam tournaments. The last one was Andy Roddick, who won the US Open in 2003 . The record attendance, however, does not mean that everyone continued in the competition. Tommy Paul was later eliminated by Carlos Alcaraz , while Tiafoe, Michelsen and Shelton secured qualification for the quarterfinals ; Learner Tien will still play his round of 16 match. 🟣 SEP 6, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Tiafoe eliminates Medvedev and maintains his undefeated record at Louis Armstrong Stadium. American Frances Tiafoe , 28, ranked No. 12 in the world and seeded No. 11 , achieved one of his most important victories in the tournament by eliminating Russian Daniil Medvedev , 30, ranked No. 8 in the world and seeded No. 7 , the 2021 US Open champion. Tiafoe won in straight sets, 7-6(1), 6-4, 7-6(6) , and secured a place in the quarterfinals. In addition to overcoming a former champion who had won six of the previous seven matches between the two, Tiafoe extended an unusual statistic: he now has 10 wins and no losses at Louis Armstrong Stadium in US Open matches . The American had already reached the semifinals in New York in 2022 and 2024. In the quarterfinals, he will face his compatriot Alex Michelsen. 🔵 SEP 6, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Michelsen reaches his first Grand Slam quarter-final. American Alex Michelsen , 23, ranked 46th in the world and not a seeded player , reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career. Michelsen defeated Argentinian Tomás Martín Etcheverry , 27 years old, ranked No. 32 in the world and seeded No. 27 , by 3 sets to 0, with scores of 7/6(6), 6/4 and 6/4 . The American reached the quarterfinals without losing a single set in four matches at the 2026 US Open, winning all 12 sets he played in his first four matches of the tournament. Against Etcheverry , Michelsen produced 44 winners and 12 aces . His qualification also created an all-American quarter-final matchup against Frances Tiafoe , guaranteeing at least one representative from the United States in the men's semi-finals . 🟡 SEP 6, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Shelton beat Tsitsipas and will face Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. American Ben Shelton , 23, ranked No. 9 in the world and seeded No. 8 , secured one of the most anticipated quarter-final matches of the 2026 US Open by eliminating Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas , 28, ranked No. 53 in the world and unseeded . Shelton won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 , and returned to the US Open quarterfinals for the first time since 2023, when he reached the semifinals. He will now face Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz , 23, world number 3 and number 2 seed , the current US Open champion. Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals after defeating American Tommy Paul also in straight sets. The historical record favors Alcaraz, who won all three previous encounters between the two, but Shelton comes into the match buoyed by a campaign marked by the strength of his serve and a dominant performance against Tsitsipas. 🟤 SEP 6, 2026 · CURIOSITY Tsitsipas' elimination breaks 149-year tradition of the one-handed backhand. The elimination of Stefanos Tsitsipas, ranked No. 53 in the world and not a seeded player, by Ben Shelton, ranked No. 9 in the world and seeded No. 8, produced a historic and unusual consequence in men's tennis: for the first time since the beginning of Wimbledon in 1877, no player using a one-handed backhand will reach the semifinals of the men's singles at a Grand Slam tournament . The streak spanned 149 years of Grand Slam tournament history. Tsitsipas was the last player still in the 2026 US Open draw capable of preserving this historical continuity. His elimination also symbolizes a technical transformation in tennis : the one-handed backhand , predominant among players in past decades, is currently used by only about 2% to 3% of competitors . Tsitsipas himself lamented the reduced presence of the stroke on the circuit and linked the phenomenon to a growing standardization of playing styles . More than a record, therefore, the episode represents the interruption of a technical tradition that has been present in the men's Grand Slam semifinals since the creation of Wimbledon in 1877 . 🟣 SEP 6, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Navarro defeats Kalinskaya and secures an all-American duel with Pegula in the quarterfinals. American Emma Navarro , 25, ranked 27th in the world and seeded 25th , defeated Russian Anna Kalinskaya , 27, ranked 23rd in the world and seeded 21st , in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2 , to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open. Navarro has reached his fourth Grand Slam quarter-final and is trying to repeat or surpass his best performance in New York, when he reached the semi-finals in 2024. Her opponent will be fellow American Jessica Pegula , 32, ranked No. 3 in the world and seeded No. 3. With this match between the two, the United States has already secured a representative in the women's semifinals of the 2026 US Open. 🔴 SEP 6, 2026 · OFF THE COURT Cirstea bids farewell to Grand Slams at the US Open. Romanian Sorana Cirstea , 36, ranked 17th in the world and seeded 16th , ended her Grand Slam tournament career after being eliminated by American Jessica Pegula , 32, ranked 3rd in the world and seeded 3rd , in the round of 16. Pegula won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4 , but the result took on special significance as it represented Cirstea's last match in a Grand Slam. The Romanian had already announced that 2026 would be her last season on the professional circuit . Cirstea thus ends a long run in the four major world tennis tournaments. After the match, Pegula publicly acknowledged her opponent's competitiveness and the significance of that farewell moment. With the victory, Pegula advanced to the quarterfinals, where she will face her compatriot Emma Navarro. 🟣 SEP 5, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Cerúndolo reacts after losing the first two sets and eliminates Fritz. Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo , 28, ranked 25th in the world and seeded 24th , staged one of the great comebacks of the 2026 US Open by defeating American Taylor Fritz , 28, ranked 10th in the world and seeded 9th . Cerúndolo lost the first two sets, but rallied and won 3 sets to 2, with scores of 3/6, 4/6, 6/3, 6/4 and 6/4 , securing a place in the US Open Round of 16 for the first time. It was only the second time in his career that the Argentinian had managed to win a match after being down 2 sets to 0. The result gained even more significance because he beat one of the top US representatives in the men's draw and a player who occupied one of the top ten positions in the world ranking. Cerúndolo will face Belgian Alexander Blockx in the round of 16 . 🟣 SEP 5, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Blockx eliminates the world No. 6 and reaches the US Open Round of 16 for the first time. Belgian Alexander Blockx , 21, ranked No. 34 in the world and seeded No. 28 , achieved the biggest victory of his career by eliminating Italian Flavio Cobolli , 24, ranked No. 6 in the world and seeded No. 5 . After losing the first set, Blockx rallied and won 3 sets to 1, with scores of 6/7(4), 6/3, 6/0 and 6/3 , qualifying for the US Open Round of 16 for the first time . Next, he will face Argentinian Francisco Cerúndolo for a place in the quarterfinals. 🟣 SEP 5, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Jovic wins a duel lasting over three hours against Eala and advances to the round of 16. American Iva Jovic , just 18 years old, ranked No. 14 in the world and seeded No. 14 , won a particularly hard-fought match against Filipina Alexandra Eala , 21 years old, ranked No. 18 in the world and seeded No. 17 . Jovic won 2 sets to 1, with scores of 7/5, 3/6 and 7/5 , after more than three hours of play at Arthur Ashe Stadium . The match featured 17 service breaks and ended with a strong display of emotion from the American, who fell to the court crying after the final point. The two young tennis players are friends off the court , a circumstance that added a particular element to the match. Former tennis player Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, even called it the best match of the tournament up to that point. With the victory, Jovic advanced to the US Open Round of 16 for the first time and will now face fellow American Coco Gauff . 🟡 SEP 5, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Osaka and Rybakina pit two Grand Slam champions against each other in the round of 16. Japanese player Naomi Osaka , 28, ranked No. 13 in the world and seeded No. 13 , will face Kazakh Elena Rybakina , 27, ranked No. 2 in the world and seeded No. 2 , in the Round of 16, in one of the most anticipated matches of the round. Osaka , US Open champion in In 2018 and 2020 , she reached the round of 16 after defeating Belgian Elise Mertens in three sets. Rybakina , the 2022 Wimbledon champion , advanced after defeating Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva . The match gained an additional element of attention because Osaka revealed that she has been dealing with a persistent problem in her left Achilles tendon since the grass season . During the match against Mertens , the Japanese player received medical attention in the third set. Although she stated that she did not consider the problem serious, she acknowledged that it has not yet completely disappeared. Osaka 's physical condition therefore becomes an additional variable in a match between two Grand Slam champions and two of the top power players on the circuit. 🔵 SEP 5, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Lucky loser Arthur Gea turns second chance into historic campaign. Frenchman Arthur Gea , 21, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser , turned a qualifying defeat into one of the most unusual trajectories of the 2026 US Open. Gea had lost to American Nishesh Basavareddy in the final round of qualifying , but earned a spot in the main draw after Norwegian Casper Ruud withdrew . From his second opportunity, he won three consecutive matches and reached the round of 16 by defeating American Michael Zheng 3 sets to 2, with scores of 7/6(7), 3/6, 4/6, 6/3 and 6/2 . This achievement is historic: Gea became only the second lucky loser in the Open Era to reach the round of 16 in the men's singles at the US Open . The first was his compatriot Corentin Moutet , in 2022 . The campaign also represents Gea's best performance in a Grand Slam tournament . In the round of 16, he will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 🟣 SEP 5, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Potapova eliminates Anisimova and reaches the US Open Round of 16 for the first time. Austrian Anastasia Potapova , 25, ranked No. 25 in the world and seeded No. 24 , achieved an unprecedented result in her US Open career by defeating American Amanda Anisimova , 25, ranked No. 10 in the world and seeded No. 10 , a finalist in the tournament in 2025. Potapova won in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5 , securing her first-ever appearance in the US Open Round of 16 . One of the important aspects of her performance was her ability to react in moments of high pressure . Potapova faced 16 break points and saved 13 of them , preventing Anisimova from taking advantage of most of the opportunities she had to break her serve. The result is also significant because of the opponent's recent record in New York. Anisimova had reached the final of the 2025 US Open and entered this year's edition as one of the top ten in the world rankings. In the round of 16, Potapova will face 19-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva , ranked No. 5 in the world and seeded No. 5 , who defeated Czech Nikola Bartunkova in the third round. 🟣 SEP 5, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Zheng saves match point after being down 5-0 and defeats Madison Keys. Chinese player Qinwen Zheng, ranked 121st in the world and not a seeded player, staged one of the biggest comebacks of the tournament so far: after losing the first set and falling 5-0 down in the third , she saved a match point before defeating American Madison Keys , ranked 24th in the world and seeded 22nd , by 2 sets to 1, with scores of 1-6, 7-6(3) and 7-5 . Zheng , former world No. 4 , had to play in the qualifying rounds of the 2026 US Open after a period marked by injuries and is now in the round of 16 of the main draw. 🟣 SEP 4, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Shelton reaches 237 km/h on his serve and surpasses Shapovalov. American Ben Shelton , 23, ranked No. 9 in the world and seeded No. 8 , had a key advantage in his powerful and effective serves against Canadian Denis Shapovalov , 27, ranked No. 48 in the world and not seeded , in the third round of the 2026 US Open. Shelton won 3 sets to 1, with scores of 7/6(3), 6/7(5), 6/3 and 6/4 , in a match lasting 3 hours and 22 minutes , played at Arthur Ashe Stadium . The American's serve was particularly noteworthy. Shelton fired 14 aces during the match, and his fastest serve reached 237 km/h . His power wasn't limited to top-speed serves: his first serve averaged 188 km/h . When he managed to land his first serve, he won 73% of those points . The victory took Shelton to the US Open round of 16 for the second time in his career . His best performance was in 2023, when he reached the semifinals . In the round of 16, Shelton will face the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas , 28 years old, ranked No. 51 in the world and not a seeded player . 🔵 SEP 4, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Tsitsipas reaches the US Open Round of 16 for the first time. Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas , 28, ranked 51st in the world and unseeded , reached the US Open Round of 16 for the first time by defeating Czech Jiri Lehecka , 24, ranked 19th in the world and seeded 18th , in three sets, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-1 , in the third round . After losing the first set, Tsitsipas reacted strongly. The third set became decisive for the course of the match: the Greek won the tiebreak 7-3 and then dominated the fourth set 6-1 . After losing his first three service games in the match , Tsitsipas found greater consistency in his serve and finished the match with 12 aces . The qualification represents an unprecedented achievement for the Greek player in New York. In his eight previous appearances at the US Open , his best result had been the third round, achieved in 2020 and 2021. Now, in his ninth appearance , Tsitsipas has managed to reach the round of 16 and has now reached this stage in all four Grand Slam tournaments . Tsitsipas will face American Ben Shelton , 23, ranked No. 9 in the world and seeded No. 8, in the round of 16. 🟣 SEP 4, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Doubles: Williams sisters engage in fierce competition after four years without playing together. Invited by the organization with a wild card , Americans Serena Williams , 44, and Venus Williams , 46, returned to doubles in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since the 2022 US Open . Facing Taiwanese player Hao-Ching Chan , 32, ranked 48th in the world in doubles , and Australian Maya Joint , 20, ranked 30th in the world in doubles and seeded 14th , the Williams sisters played a balanced match with successive changes in control of the game, played for 3 hours and 2 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Chan and Joint started better and won the first set 6-3 . Serena and Venus reacted in the second and took the match to a tiebreak , which they won to close out the set 7-6(6) and level the match. In the third and decisive set , the Williams sisters were down 4-1 , but recovered and again took the match to a tiebreak. The most remarkable moment occurred in the match tiebreak : Serena and Venus opened up a 5-0 lead , just five points away from victory. Chan and Joint , however, demonstrated great emotional balance and technical ability to react in a very unfavorable situation , winning 10 of the next 12 points and winning the match spectacularly, 2 sets to 1, with scores of 6-3, 6-7(6) and 7-6(7), with the match tiebreak ending 10-7. Beyond the intensity of the match, the competitive level displayed by the Williams sisters was noteworthy . At 44 and 46 years old – unusual ages for a performance at this level in professional tennis – and after four years without playing a Grand Slam match together , Serena and Venus managed to compete on equal terms with a seeded pair until the very last points. Their performance demonstrated that, despite the long period without playing together and their age, they retained the technical skills, teamwork, and competitive ability to sustain a match lasting over three hours. The match also had historical significance. In front of approximately 24,000 spectators at Arthur Ashe Stadium , the sisters returned to the court where they built an important part of their tennis careers. Together, Serena and Venus won 14 doubles titles in Grand Slam tournaments , including the US Open titles in 1999 and 2009 . 🟣 SEP 4, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Navarro eliminates Muchova, world number 7, and advances to the round of 16. American Emma Navarro , 25, ranked 27th in the world and seeded 26th , eliminated Czech Karolina Muchova , 30, ranked 7th in the world and seeded 7th , in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5 , in the third round of the 2026 US Open. Navarro 's victory is also highlighted by Muchova 's recent performance. In July, the Czech player reached the final of Wimbledon 2026 and finished as runner-up , after being defeated by her compatriot Linda Noskova , 21, by 2 sets to 1, with scores of 6/2, 5/7 and 6/3 . With this result, Noskova won her first Grand Slam title . For Navarro , the victory over Muchova was her third in 2026 against an opponent ranked in the top ten of the world rankings, and the ninth such victory in her career . With this win, the American reached the round of 16 of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since Wimbledon 2025. At the US Open, Navarro's best result came in 2024, when she reached the semifinals and was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka, who subsequently won the title that year . 🟣 SEP 4, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Tommy Paul eliminates Bublik in five sets and will face Alcaraz. American Tommy Paul , 29, ranked 21st in the world and seeded 20th , eliminated Kazakh Alexander Bublik , 29, ranked 16th in the world and seeded 15th , in straight sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-3 , in the third round of the 2026 US Open. The match lasted over three hours. Paul was down 2 sets to 1 , but rallied to win the fourth set 6-1 and secured the comeback in the fifth. With this victory, he will face Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz , 23 years old, world number 3 and number 2 seed, in the round of 16. 🟡 SEP 4, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Alcaraz advances to the round of 16 and will face Tommy Paul. Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz , 23, ranked No. 3 in the world and seeded No. 2, advanced to the round of 16 by defeating Chinese player Wu Yibing , ranked No. 113 in the world and unseeded , in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 . Current US Open champion Alcaraz achieved his 17th consecutive victory in Grand Slam matches . The Spaniard will now face American Tommy Paul , the No. 20 seed , in the round of 16. 🔵 SEP 4, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Sabalenka reaches 16 consecutive US Open wins. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka , 28, world number 1 and top seed , defeated Uzbek Kamilla Rakhimova , world number 92 and unseeded , in straight sets, 6-3 , 6-4 , to advance to the round of 16 of the 2026 US Open. Two-time consecutive champion of the tournament , Sabalenka achieved her 16th consecutive victory at the US Open . If she wins the title again in 2026 , she will be a three-time consecutive champion – a feat not achieved in the women's tournament since Serena Williams, champion in 2012, 2013 and 2014 . 🟣 SEP 4, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Townsend eliminates Shnaider and will face Sabalenka next. American Taylor Townsend, ranked 96th in the world and unseeded, eliminated Russian Diana Shnaider , ranked 16th in the world and seeded 15th , by 2 sets to 1, with scores of 6/2, 6/7(3) and 6/3 , and advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 US Open. Townsend will now face world number 1 and reigning two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16. 🟡 SEP 4, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Keys saves five match points and pulls off a great comeback at the US Open. American Madison Keys , 31, ranked No. 9 in the world and seeded No. 9, staged a great comeback in the second round of the 2026 US Open. She defeated Hungarian Anna Bondar , 29, ranked No. 74 in the world and unseeded , in straight sets, 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5) , with a 10-5 victory in the match tiebreak . In the third set , Keys was down 5-2 and saved five match points before taking the match to a tiebreak . There, the American again fell behind 5-3 , but won seven consecutive points to close out the set 10-5 . With the five match points saved, Keys tied with American Sebastian Gorzny as the only players who, up until the end of the second round, had managed to save five match points in a single match at the 2026 US Open. 🔵 SEP 4, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Monfils bids farewell to the US Open and ends his Grand Slam career. Frenchman Gaël Monfils , 40, ranked 57th in the world and unseeded , played his last match at the US Open and also the last Grand Slam match of his career . He was defeated by American Learner Tien , 21, ranked 15th in the world and seeded 14th , in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 , in the second round at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Monfils had already announced that he will end his professional career at the end of the 2026 season . After the match, the US Open showed a video in his honor, and the Frenchman thanked the New York crowd . With his farewell, Monfils ended his US Open career with 34 wins and 18 losses , and his participation in Grand Slam tournaments with 131 wins and 70 losses . The numbers also represent a historic milestone for tennis in his country: no French tennis player has won more titles than Monfils at the US Open or across all Grand Slam tournaments . 🔵 SEP 4, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Zverev plays five sets in the first two rounds and achieves an unprecedented feat. German Alexander Zverev , 29, world number 2 and top seed , once again needed five sets to advance in the 2026 US Open. He defeated Frenchman Quentin Halys , 29, world number 52 and unseeded , 3 sets to 2, with scores of 6/4, 4/6, 7/6(3), 6/7(3) and 6/3 , in a 4h33min match. The match ended around 2:15 am in New York. In the first round, Zverev also played five sets against Italian Lorenzo Sonego , in a match lasting 4 hours and 53 minutes . With this, the German accumulated 9 hours and 26 minutes of play and ten sets played in the first two rounds . The sequence established an unprecedented feat in the Open Era: Zverev became the first male number 1 seed to play five sets in each of the first two rounds of a Grand Slam tournament . The German also achieved another milestone at the US Open: he became the first male tennis player to reach 20 wins in Grand Slam tournaments in 2026 , with a record of 20 wins and two losses in the four Grand Slam tournaments of the season . 🟣 SEP 3, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Van de Zandschulp eliminates De Minaur 3 sets to 0 Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp , 30 years old, ranked 70th in the world and unseeded , eliminated Australian Alex de Minaur , 27 years old, ranked 7th in the world and seeded 6th , in straight sets , 6/4, 7/5 and 6/2 , in the second round of the 2026 US Open. Van de Zandschulp came into the match having never beaten De Minaur in their four previous encounters . This time, the Dutchman won in straight sets, ending the Australian's streak, who had reached the US Open quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025 . The result also recalls another notable victory for Van de Zandschulp in New York. At the 2024 US Open , also in the second round, the Dutchman eliminated Carlos Alcaraz , then world No. 3 and No. 3 seed, in straight sets. 🟣 SEP 3, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Sweeny eliminates Musetti and reaches his first Grand Slam third round. Australian Dane Sweeny , 25, ranked No. 123 in the world, a wild card participant in the main draw and without seeded status , eliminated Italian Lorenzo Musetti , 24, ranked No. 14 in the world and seeded No. 13 , by 3/6, 6/1, 6/2 and 6/2 , in the second round of the 2026 US Open. After losing the first set, Sweeny took control of the match and won 18 of the next 23 games , completing the comeback in four sets. With this result, the Australian reached the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career . Musetti , for his part, had reached the quarterfinals of the US Open in 2025. 🟤 SEP 3, 2026 · CURIOSITY Can a wild card recipient be a seeded player? Yes. Receiving a wild card and being a seeded player are independent situations . The wild card determines how the tennis player enters the main draw : they receive an invitation from the organization , without needing to earn a spot through direct ranking or qualifying. The determination of the seeded players is related to the organization and balance of the competition . The highest-ranked players, according to the criteria adopted by the tournament, are distributed in different positions in the draw, preventing the main competitors from facing each other in the early rounds and contributing to a more balanced distribution throughout the tournament. Therefore, a player who has received a wild card can also be a seeded player , provided they are among the tennis players who meet the classification criteria used to determine the seeded players. The regulations of Grand Slam tournaments expressly provide for this possibility. At the 2026 US Open, Australian Dane Sweeny , 25 years old and ranked No. 123 in the world , received a wild card to compete in the main draw, but was not seeded . 🟣 SEP 3, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Khachanov eliminates Auger-Aliassime and advances to the third round Russian Karen Khachanov , 30, ranked 50th in the world and unseeded , eliminated Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime , 26, ranked 4th in the world and seeded 8th , 6/7(5), 6/3, 6/2 and 6/2 , in the second round of the 2026 US Open. Having failed to win a match in the three preparatory tournaments he played before the US Open, Khachanov managed a comeback after losing the first set, breaking the Canadian's serve seven times during the match , meaning he won seven games in which Auger-Aliassime was serving . Auger-Aliassime was a semifinalist in New York in 2021 and 2025 and showed a decline in physical performance throughout the match. The victory was only Khachanov's second against a Top 10 opponent in a Grand Slam . The result also set a new career milestone: for the first time, the Russian reached at least the third round in all four Grand Slam tournaments of the same season . Khachanov was also a US Open semi-finalist in 2022 . 🟡 SEP 2, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Zverev escapes elimination after nearly five hours on court German Alexander Zverev, 29, world No. 2 and the No. 1 seed at the US Open, came within just two points of elimination against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, 31, world No. 89. After losing the third set, Zverev faced a critical moment in the fourth: Sonego was leading 5-4 and the game was tied at 30-30, with Zverev serving. Since the Italian already led the match by two sets to one, winning the next two points would have given him the break and the match. Zverev, however, responded and won the set 7-5. In the fifth set, Zverev completed the comeback and secured his place in the second round, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4. The match at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York lasted 4 hours and 53 minutes and ended at 1:55 a.m. According to Zverev, it was the longest first-round match he had ever played. 🟤 SEP 2, 2026 · CURIOSITY How can Zverev be world No. 2 and the No. 1 seed at the US Open? German Alexander Zverev, 29 and world No. 2, is competing at the 2026 US Open as the No. 1 seed, a situation that may seem contradictory but has a simple explanation. The world No. 1 is Italian Jannik Sinner, 25, who is not competing in the tournament because of a knee injury. With Sinner absent, Zverev became the highest-ranked player in the field and, consequently, was designated the No. 1 seed. The two positions therefore coexist: Zverev remains No. 2 in the ATP world rankings but is the No. 1 seed at the 2026 US Open. A player's world ranking reflects his position among players globally, while seeding determines his position within the draw of a particular tournament. 🔵 SEP 2, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete eliminates No. 12 seed and makes history Chinese Bu Yunchaokete, 24, who had lost in the final round of qualifying, entered the main draw as a lucky loser following the injury withdrawal of Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. On Wednesday, September 2, he produced one of the tournament's biggest upsets so far, beating Spanish Rafael Jódar, 19 and the No. 12 seed, 6-2, 6-1, 6-1. Bu became the first lucky loser in the Open Era to beat a Top 15 seed at a Grand Slam tournament. It was also the first Grand Slam main-draw victory of his career. 🟣 SEP 2, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Daniel Mérida eliminates Rublev and reaches the third round for the first time Spanish Daniel Mérida, 21, world No. 39 and unseeded, beat Russian Andrey Rublev, 28, world No. 24 and the No. 23 seed, 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday (2), advancing to the third round. The result carries added significance because this is Mérida's first appearance in the US Open main draw. Rublev, a former world No. 5, has reached ten Grand Slam quarterfinals. Mérida is enjoying the best season of his career: he won his first ATP title in Umag and reached the quarterfinals of the Montreal Masters 1000. In the third round, Mérida will face American Alex Michelsen, 22, world No. 45 and unseeded, who eliminated fellow American Brandon Nakashima, 25, world No. 17 and the No. 16 seed, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. The matchup has an interesting feature: Mérida and Michelsen, both unseeded, have each eliminated a seeded player in this round of the tournament. In addition, neither has ever reached the US Open round of 16. Since they will face each other directly in the third round, one of them will reach that stage for the first time in his career. 🟡 SEP 1, 2026 · KEEP AN EYE OUT Williams sisters to reunite in US Open women’s doubles Americans Serena Williams, 44, and Venus Williams, 46, will reunite as a doubles team at the US Open. Awarded a wild card, they will face Taiwanese Hao-Ching Chan, 32, and Australian Maya Joint, 20, the No. 14 seeds, in the first round. It will be the Williams sisters’ first appearance together in US Open doubles since 2022. Champions in New York in 1999 and 2009, Serena and Venus have won 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles together. The matchup also brings an interesting coincidence: Joint was the player who beat Serena at Wimbledon this year, in a match during which the American suffered a knee injury that later prevented her from playing doubles alongside Venus. 🔵 September 1, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Monfils wins on his 40th birthday and achieves a historic milestone at the US Open. Frenchman Gael Monfils, 40, defeated Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, 22, in a comeback victory, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 , at Louis Armstrong Stadium on his 40th birthday . The victory took on special significance because this is Monfils' last US Open , as he has announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season . The Frenchman received a wild card to compete in the tournament and, after losing the first set, dominated the following three to extend his farewell to New York. With this result, Monfils became the oldest player to win a US Open main draw singles match since Jimmy Connors in 1992. The coincidence makes the feat even more curious: Connors also achieved his victory at age 40, precisely on his birthday . 🟣 August 31, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Tiafoe fights back in five-set battle and defeats Martin Damm. American Frances Tiafoe, 28, the 11th seed and two-time US Open semi-finalist , needed a great comeback to overcome compatriot Martin Damm, 22 , 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 , after 3 hours and 48 minutes of play at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Tiafoe found himself in a precarious situation after losing the second and third sets, falling two sets down to one . Damm pressured the favorite, mainly with his powerful serve, and finished the match with 28 aces . In the last two sets, Tiafoe managed to raise his level , securing a service break in each set and maintaining the advantage to complete the comeback. A finalist at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 shortly before the US Open, the American thus avoided becoming yet another seeded player eliminated in the first round in New York. 🟣 August 31, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Alcaraz wins on his return to singles after 139 days sidelined with injury. Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, 23, returned to singles matches after 139 days away from competition due to a right wrist injury . The reigning US Open champion and second seed in the tournament , he defeated Russian Roman Safiullin, 29 , 6-4, 6-4 in the first round. More important than the result was the Spaniard's physical response. After 2 hours and 22 minutes of play at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alcaraz stated that he felt no pain and that his wrist responded well to the competitive effort , one of the main doubts surrounding his return after more than four months without playing a singles match. The victory also extended an impressive record for the Spaniard in New York: Alcaraz has 25 wins and only three losses at the US Open, a success rate of 89.2% , the best percentage among men in the Open Era . Since he started competing in Grand Slam main draws in 2021 , he has also never lost a first-round match, accumulating 21 wins in 21 debuts . 🟣 August 31, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Taylor Townsend eliminates Roland Garros runner-up Maja Chwalinska American Taylor Townsend, 30 , was responsible for one of the surprises of the first round of the US Open by defeating Polish player Maja Chwalinska, 24, the No. 20 seed , 6-2, 6-3 in just 78 minutes. The result is significant because Chwalinska arrived in New York after reaching the Roland Garros final in 2026 , while Townsend was only ranked 96th in singles . The American dominated especially in points played with her first serve, losing only four of them throughout the entire match. Townsend, who is also ranked 2nd in the world doubles rankings , advanced to face Australian Taylah Preston in the second round. 🔵 August 31, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Wawrinka ends his Grand Slam career at the US Open Swiss player Stan Wawrinka , 41, played his last Grand Slam match in the very tournament where he won the title in 2016. He was defeated by Italian Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 in the first round. The farewell has strong historical value: Wawrinka ends a career spanning approximately 20 years in Grand Slams , with three titles — the 2014 Australian Open, the 2015 French Open, and the 2016 US Open . His presence in New York was only possible after a withdrawal opened up a spot for him to receive a wild card , making his final participation in the tournament even more symbolic. 🟣 August 31, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Tsitsipas surprises and eliminates the No. 10 seed Arthur Fils. Stefanos Tsitsipas pulled off one of the first major upsets of the 2026 US Open by eliminating Frenchman Arthur Fils , the No. 10 seed , 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4. The result is even more remarkable because Fils arrived in New York after winning his first Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati, and had won all five previous matches against Tsitsipas. The Greek, currently outside the Top 50 and playing in the US Open for the first time without being a seeded player, managed to react and win the match after being down 5-2 in the second set. 🔵 August 31, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Venus Williams and Sofia Kenin starred in the latest start to a match in US Open history. The clash between Americans Venus Williams, 46, and Sofia Kenin, 27, began at 12:13 AM in New York , setting a record for the latest start time of a match in US Open history. The schedule continued into the early hours of the morning after the previous match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, between Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone, lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes. In her 26th appearance in the US Open main draw , Venus Kenin staged a comeback in the second set, having seven opportunities to take it. Kenin managed to save all set points and won 6-2, 7-6(6) , capping off a historic night at Arthur Ashe Stadium after 2 a.m. ⚫ August 30, 2026 • CHANGE TO THE DRAW Injuries force Casper Ruud and Marin Cilic out of the main draw; two lucky losers earn spots. Norwegian Casper Ruud, 27 , the 19th seed and 2022 US Open finalist , was unable to compete in the singles draw due to a back injury sustained during training at the Cincinnati Open. Despite attempts at recovery, the physical problem did not progress as expected, and his team decided to rest the tennis player. Ruud's spot was filled by 21-year-old Frenchman Arthur Gea , who entered the main draw as a lucky loser . Also due to injury, Croatian Marin Cilic, 37 , the 2014 US Open champion , was out of the singles competition. The organization did not disclose the nature of the injury. His place was taken by Finnish player Otto Virtanen, 25 , also as a lucky loser . The two changes demonstrate in practice how the lucky loser mechanism works: tennis players who did not qualify through the qualifying rounds can still enter the main draw when spots become available later. 🟣 August 30, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Mariano Navone eliminates Novak Djokovic in one of the biggest upsets of the US Open. Argentine Mariano Navone, 25 years old and world number 49 , pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the start of the 2026 US Open by eliminating Serbian Novak Djokovic, 39 years old , fourth seed and four-time champion of the tournament , by 7/6(5), 5/7, 4/6, 6/2 and 6/1 , after 4 hours and 36 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic led two sets to one and had a break advantage in the fourth set, but faced physical problems during the match , including episodes of vomiting, cramps, and pain. The Serbian stated after the match that he considered abandoning the match, but decided to remain on the court until the end. The victory was historic for Navone, then ranked No. 49 in the world: in addition to representing his first win in a five-set match , he became the first tennis player in 20 years to eliminate Djokovic in the first round of a Grand Slam. For Djokovic, it was his first first-round loss in 20 US Open appearances and only the third time in his entire career that he has lost in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament. The previous losses occurred at the 2005 and 2006 Australian Opens. 🔵 August 28, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Kei Nishikori bids farewell to Grand Slams at the US Open. Japanese player Kei Nishikori, 36 , played the last Grand Slam match of his career at the same tournament where he experienced one of his greatest moments: the US Open. A finalist in New York in 2014, Nishikori advanced through the first two rounds of qualifying and reached the third and decisive match, which was for a place in the main draw. In the final round, he was defeated 6/4 and 7/6(3) by fellow Japanese player Rei Sakamoto, aged 20 , who secured his first-ever qualification for the main draw of the US Open. The farewell also had a special symbolic meaning. After the match, Nishikori was honored in a ceremony held on the court, highlighting the potential of his young compatriot, in a meeting that ended up representing a generational shift in Japanese tennis. Former world No. 4 Nishikori will end his professional career after the Japan Open in Tokyo, scheduled for the end of September. 🔵 August 26, 2026 · FEAT AND RECORD Muchova and Mensik together win their first Grand Slam title. Czechs Karolina Muchova, 30, and Jakub Mensik, 20 , won the 2026 US Open mixed doubles title by defeating Swiss Belinda Bencic, 29, and Italian Flavio Cobolli, 24 , 6-3, 1-6, 10-6 in the final played at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory held special significance for both champions: both Muchova and Mensik lifted a Grand Slam trophy for the first time in their careers, considering all sports . Held during Fan Week, the mixed doubles competition adopted a shorter format, with reduced sets and a 10-point match tiebreak to decide the match when necessary. Muchova and Mensik won the title in this way, winning the decisive tiebreak 10-6. 🟣 August 25, 2026 · HIGHLIGHT Serena Williams returns to the US Open alongside Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles. American Serena Williams, 44 , returned to play a match at the US Open four years after her last appearance in the tournament . In her return, she teamed up with Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, 23 , in the mixed doubles competition held during Fan Week. The pair faced Swiss player Belinda Bencic, 29, and Italian Flavio Cobolli, 24 , and were defeated 5/4(4) and 4/1 . The match marked not only Serena's return to the US Open , but also Alcaraz's return to competition after a period away due to a wrist injury. The combined presence of one of the greatest champions in tennis history and one of the leading names of today transformed the match into one of the main attractions of Fan Week. 🔴 August 25, 2026 · OFF THE COURT Roger Federer returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium during Fan Week. Swiss player Roger Federer, 45 , returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium during the 2026 US Open Fan Week, four years after ending his professional career. A 20-time Grand Slam champion and five-time consecutive US Open winner between 2004 and 2008 , Federer participated in a special presentation at the main stadium of the Flushing Meadows complex, reuniting with the audience of a tournament where he built one of the most remarkable periods of his career. The presence of the former world number 1 added a historical element to the activities leading up to the start of the main draw, bringing together one of the greatest figures in world tennis at Arthur Ashe Stadium. ⚫ August 24, 2026 • CHANGE TO THE DRAW Abdominal injury prevents João Fonseca from competing in the US Open. Brazilian João Fonseca, 20 , was unable to compete in the 2026 US Open due to an abdominal injury , after tests indicated that a longer recovery period would be necessary before he could return to competition. Fonseca had felt discomfort on the left side of his abdomen during training at the Cincinnati Open and ended up missing that tournament. Even after starting treatment, the Brazilian and his team assessed that he was still not in condition to compete at a high level in New York. At the time, Fonseca was ranked 26th in the ATP rankings and would arrive at the US Open after reaching his first Grand Slam quarter-final months earlier at Roland Garros. In his debut in the main draw of the US Open in 2025, he had advanced to the second round. ⚫ August 21, 2026 • CHANGE TO THE DRAW Knee injury rules Jannik Sinner out of the US Open. Italian Jannik Sinner, 25 , world number 1 , was unable to compete in the 2026 US Open due to a right knee injury . Sinner had been working with his medical team and even returned to training on the court in Monte Carlo, but found that he would need more time to recover. His absence carried special weight in the title race: the Italian was the US Open champion in 2024, a finalist in 2025, and was arriving at the New York season after winning Wimbledon in 2026 . It was also the first time Sinner had missed a Grand Slam tournament since his debut at that level, at the US Open itself, in 2019. In the 2026 season, he had accumulated 44 wins and only three losses, with six titles won.

Episode 1: How perception can be manipulated High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá | Cite A High-Tech Society Series - Presentation When people talk about social engineering, most immediately associate the term with online scams, password theft, system intrusions, or bank fraud. This perception isn't wrong, but it represents only a part of a much broader phenomenon. Although specialized literature focuses much of its research on obtaining information, privileged access, or economic advantages, mechanisms characteristic of social engineering can also, under certain circumstances, be employed for other purposes. This new series from the High-Tech Society aims to examine different facets of this phenomenon. Each episode will address a specific objective associated with the use of these mechanisms, always based on academic research, technical documents, and specialized literature. Illustrative image generated by artificial intelligence. The many facets of Social Engineering Episode 1: How perception can be manipulated This first episode examines a question that has been little explored in popular science literature: How can mechanisms characteristic of social engineering gradually replace the constructed social image of a person with a distorted one? Imagine discovering, much later, that some people have started treating you differently. Former colleagues stop keeping in touch. Invitations cease. Once friendly comments become colder or more suspicious. In certain environments, a change in attitude is noticeable, the origin of which no one can precisely explain. There is no court conviction or objective evidence to justify this transformation. Even so, something seems to have changed. Could it simply be a series of misunderstandings? A natural consequence of interpersonal conflicts? Or could there be situations in which the collective perception of a person could be influenced, slowly and progressively, by deliberate manipulation strategies? A person's social image is built through interaction. Family, friends, colleagues, institutions, and different groups form impressions based on shared experiences, observed behaviors, and trust developed over time. When this perception solidifies, what we often call reputation emerges: a social asset capable of influencing personal relationships, professional opportunities, credibility, and the ability to exert influence in the different environments in which the person operates. Precisely because it depends on the perception and trust of others, reputation can also become vulnerable to processes designed to interfere with how a person is perceived. It is at this point that mechanisms characteristic of Social Engineering take on particular relevance to the issue examined in this episode. Social Engineering In essence, social engineering consists of employing strategies designed to influence human perceptions, decisions, and behaviors by exploiting characteristics of behavior and social relationships, such as trust, authority, urgency, reciprocity, and other mechanisms studied by psychology and the behavioral sciences. Applied to the formation of social perception, these mechanisms allow us to understand how the interpretation of a person can be influenced without their behavior necessarily changing. The question, therefore, ceases to be merely how a reputation is built and begins to include the circumstances in which someone might have an interest in weakening it. When reputation starts to become a nuisance The trust that underpins a reputation is not always broken simply because a person has changed their behavior . In certain circumstances, conflict can arise precisely when someone preserves their independence, challenges decisions, refuses directives incompatible with their principles, prevents privileges, or seeks to avoid harm to the collective interest. In these contexts, someone whose credibility strengthens their ability to resist may come to be perceived as an obstacle to certain interests . The weakening of their reputation can then become a means of reducing their participation, limiting their actions, and diminishing their social influence. This process doesn't need to begin with a direct accusation. It can develop gradually by altering the meanings attributed to the person's behavior. Independence can be presented as arrogance ; rigor as inflexibility ; refusal to accept irregularity as a lack of cooperation ; and the defense of impersonal criteria as difficulty in coexistence. Behavior can remain true to the same principles. What we seek to modify is the perception others have of that behavior. To produce this change, real episodes can be presented partially, circumstantial situations transformed into permanent characteristics, and information taken out of context . When there are insufficient elements to support a given narrative, rumors, insinuations, or content without an adequate factual basis can introduce doubts and contribute to the formation of a distorted image. In these circumstances, reputation may not be the ultimate goal. By reducing the trust placed in a person, the aim is also to limit their ability to influence decisions, mobilize support, or resist pressures incompatible with their principles. The erosion of reputation thus becomes an instrument to weaken the autonomy and social influence of someone whose independence represents an obstacle to certain interests. At this point, it is important to distinguish between two quite different meanings attributed to the word trust . In this article, it is understood as the result of a perception built up over time based on the competence, integrity, consistency, and responsibility demonstrated by a person. In certain environments, however, when authority begins to demand obedience to directives incompatible with legality, ethical principles, or the institutional purpose of the organization itself, the expression "trusted person" can acquire a completely different meaning. It can come to identify someone from whom unconditional obedience to power is expected, including compliance with directives lacking legal or ethical basis, the preservation of private interests incompatible with the institutional purpose, or the absence of dissent. In this case, it is not a matter of social trust built through merit and conduct, but of an expectation of personal loyalty or submission. A person can, therefore, preserve the trust earned socially and, at the same time, cease to be considered "trustworthy" by those who expected obedience from them that was incompatible with their principles. How perception can be gradually influenced Human perception is not built from a single piece of information, but from the set of experiences, memories, and messages accumulated over time. To interpret this enormous amount of stimuli, the brain selects information, establishes relationships, and forms judgments using natural processes that make everyday life possible. These processes, however, can also be exploited through manipulation strategies. Repeated information tends to become more familiar and, under certain circumstances, may seem more plausible because it has already been seen or heard many times. Content presented in an emotionally intense manner can also encourage immediate reactions, momentarily reducing the space dedicated to critical reflection. Therefore, manipulation processes can develop gradually through repetition of messages , taking facts out of context, continuous association between certain ideas, or selective presentation of information. In isolation, each element may seem insignificant; accumulated over time, however, they can contribute to modifying the interpretation built about a person. This does not mean that people are incapable of critical thinking or that every change of opinion results from manipulation. It means that human perception can be influenced and that understanding this process helps preserve autonomy of judgment. Distinguishing legitimate criticism from manipulation. Criticism, disagreements, and debates are part of the normal functioning of a democratic society. Questioning decisions, investigating facts, denouncing irregularities, or presenting evidence of inappropriate behavior does not, in itself, constitute manipulation. A reputation may also be legitimately affected when true, relevant, and duly substantiated facts demonstrate that an individual's conduct falls short of the trust previously placed in them. In such cases, the shift in perception stems from the facts themselves. The phenomenon analyzed in this article is different. It occurs when attempts are made to lead others to a particular judgment through the selective presentation of information , the removal of context , emotional exploitation , or narratives that lack sufficient support in the objective elements presented. This distinction requires caution. The mere fact that someone considers a criticism unfair does not demonstrate the existence of a manipulation strategy. Similarly, the repetition of information does not, in itself, prove coordination among those who disseminate it. The evaluation should consider the quality of the evidence, the preservation of context, the independence of sources, the distinction between facts and opinions, the possibility of rebuttal, and the coherence between the conclusions presented and the elements that support them . These criteria help both to prevent legitimate criticism from being improperly classified as manipulation and to recognize situations in which perception may be deliberately manipulated. High-Tech Society – Analysis Knowing is key to protecting yourself. There is no formula capable of automatically identifying an attempt at manipulation. However, certain behaviors can encourage a more careful assessment before forming a judgment. It is important to verify whether the claims presented have verifiable evidence , whether the facts have been preserved in their context , and whether independent sources confirm the same information. It is also advisable to distinguish facts from interpretations and opinions from evidence. With the evolution of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, this care must also extend to photographs, videos, and audios, which can be edited, taken out of context, or even entirely artificially generated with a high degree of realism, making it difficult for those who receive them to distinguish an authentic record from manipulated or fabricated content. Another important consideration is understanding how the information aims to reach the reader. Narratives constructed to provoke immediate outrage, fear, or hostility can reduce the space for reflection. This doesn't mean that every emotional message is manipulative, but caution is advised when faced with conclusions that seem to demand immediate acceptance. In a society characterized by the constant flow of information, preserving this capacity for reflection is an important form of protection. Understanding how mechanisms characteristic of social engineering can operate broadens our ability to distinguish facts from constructed narratives and recognize potential attempts at manipulation. But understanding these mechanisms allows us to go further. It also helps to understand that, in a manipulation process, there may be those who have been genuinely led to believe in a distorted reality and those who, aware of the distortion, deliberately contribute to producing, sustaining, or disseminating it for the benefit of certain interests. Recognizing manipulation therefore means not only perceiving the distorted reality, but also seeking to understand the interests involved , the mechanisms employed , and the actions of those who, often protected by the shadows of the process itself , consciously contribute to the manipulation achieving its objectives. Shadows may conceal those who distort reality for a time, but they cannot indefinitely prevent truth from finding its way to the light. By Luiz Cincurá Founder and Editor High-TechSociety.com Editorial transparency: This article was produced with the support of ChatGPT during the research and preliminary content organization stages. The definition of the editorial approach, critical analysis, technical review, and final writing were carried out by the Editor, who is ultimately responsible for the published content. Sources consulted: BIRTHRIYA, Santosh Kumar; AHLAWAT, Priyanka; JAIN, Ankit Kumar. A Comprehensive Survey of Social Engineering Attacks: Taxonomy of Attacks, Prevention, and Mitigation Strategies. Journal of Applied Security Research, 2025. ECKER, Ullrich KH et al. The Psychological Drivers of Misinformation Belief and Its Resistance to Correction. Nature Reviews Psychology, 2021. FAZIO, Lisa K.; RAND, David G.; PENNYCOOK, Gordon. Repetition Increases Perceived Truth Equally for Plausible and Implausible Statements. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 2019. HADNAGY, Christopher. Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking. 2nd ed. Wiley, 2018. HEARTFIELD, Ryan; LOUKAS, George. A Taxonomy of Attacks and a Survey of Defense Mechanisms for Semantic Social Engineering Attacks. ACM Computing Surveys, 2016. KAHNEMAN, Daniel. Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011. LEWANDOWSKY, Stephan et al. Misinformation and Its Correction: Continued Influence and Successful Debiasing. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 2012. NIST — National Institute of Standards and Technology. Social Engineering - Glossary. How to cite this publication: ANDRADE, Luiz Inácio Caribé Cincurá de. The Many Facets of Social Engineering: Episode 1 – How Perception Can Be Manipulated. High-TechSociety.com , August 27, 2026. Available at:

Records, great champions and US Open in real time High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá | Cite Throughout this special three-part series, High-Tech Society covered the history of the U.S. Open, the Flushing Meadows complex, the characteristics of the hard courts, the eligibility criteria, the tournament format, the prize money, the main highlights, tickets, and ways to follow the tournament. In this third and final part, we turn our attention to the tennis players who have shaped some of the most important chapters in the competition’s history, to records and matches that have gone down in history, and, at the same time, to the present: this Sunday, August 30, the main draw matches for the men’s and women’s singles at the 2026 U.S. Open begin. The singles tournament continues through September 13. Fan Week Before the start of the main singles draws, the U.S. Open hosted Fan Week from August 23 to 29, a week featuring competitions, fan activities, and special events. The schedule began with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a traditional event geared specifically toward children and families, featuring tennis activities, interactive games, performances, and children’s attractions, while celebrating Arthur Ashe’s sporting, educational, and humanitarian legacy. Fan Week also included exhibition matches, entertainment activities, and Media Day, dedicated to player interviews before the start of the main draws. Qualifying and Mixed Doubles On the competitive side, the men’s and women’s qualifying rounds were held, in which 128 men and 128 women competed for the final 16 spots in each main singles draw, as well as the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. In mixed doubles, each team consists of two players—one woman and one man—who play together against another pair with the same composition. Mixed doubles is an official Grand Slam event, not an exhibition match. Following the qualifying round on August 24, the main draw finals were held on the 25th and 26th and concluded with the title going to the Czech pair Karolina Muchova, 30, and Jakub Mensik, 20, who defeated Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, 29, and 24-year-old Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 1-6, and [10-6]. It was the first Grand Slam title won by Muchova and Mensik in any discipline. How Mixed Doubles Rules Work Mixed doubles follow a specific scoring format designed to make matches shorter. In this format, from the qualifying round through the main draw semifinals, matches were played as best-of-three sets, with the first two sets won by the pair that reached four games, provided there was a minimum difference of two games. If a set reached a 4-4 tie, the match proceeded to a special format designed to determine the set winner, called a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, the traditional game scoring system—15, 30, 40, and game—is not used; instead, points are counted sequentially: 1, 2, 3, and so on. The mixed doubles pair that first reaches 7 points wins the tiebreak—and, consequently, the set—provided they have a lead of at least two points. Thus, if the score is tied at 6–6, play continues until one of the pairs manages to open up a two-point lead, such as 8–6, 9–7, or 10–8, for example. Another distinctive feature of mixed doubles was the use of the “no-ad” system, short for “no advantage.” In the traditional tennis scoring system, when a game reaches a 40-40 tie, one side must win two consecutive points to win the game: the first point establishes the advantage, and the second ends the game. If the player or pair that gained the advantage loses the next point, the score returns to 40–40. In the no-ad system used in mixed doubles, this “advantage” phase is eliminated. When the game reaches 40–40, the next point immediately decides who wins the game. This prevents a single game from being prolonged by successive ties and advantage situations, helping to reduce the duration of matches. There is yet another important difference. If each pair won one of the first two sets, a conventional third set was not played. Instead, the match was decided by a 10-point match tiebreak. It works similarly to the tiebreak explained earlier, but in this case, the tiebreak does not merely serve to decide a set: it completely replaces the third set and determines the winning pair. In the match tiebreak, points are also counted sequentially - 1, 2, 3, and so on - and the pair that first reaches 10 points wins, provided it maintains a minimum lead of two points. Therefore, a score of 10–9 does not end the match. If this occurs, the tiebreak continues until one of the pairs achieves a two-point lead, such as 11–9, 12–10, or 13–11, for example. In the mixed doubles final, there was one difference from the previous rounds: the first two sets were played in a six-game format, with a tiebreak in the event of a 6-6 tie. However, the no-ad system and the 10-point match tiebreak in place of the third set remained in effect. This explains the final score: Muchova and Mensik won the first set 6–3; Bencic and Cobolli won the second 6–1; and, since each pair had won one set, the title was decided in the match tiebreak, which Muchova and Mensik won 10–6. The final result was recorded as 6-3, 1-6, and [10-6]. The 2026 US Open Singles Tournaments Begin This Sunday, August 30, 2026, the main draw matches for the men’s and women’s singles at the 2026 US Open begin. From this stage onward, players advance through a single-elimination bracket: winners remain in the competition and move on to the next round; losers are eliminated from contention for the title. Carlos Alcaraz enters the tournament as the defending men’s champion from the 2025 US Open. Aryna Sabalenka arrives in New York as a two-time consecutive champion, having won the 2024 and 2025 editions. In 2026, the Belarusian tennis player is seeking her third consecutive US Open title—a feat not achieved in the women’s tournament since Serena Williams, who won from 2012 to 2014. Matches in the main draw are held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand, and the other courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The schedule combines day and night sessions, and over the course of the two weeks, the number of players gradually decreases leading up to the finals at Arthur Ashe Stadium: the women’s singles final will be played on Saturday, September 12, and the men’s singles final on Sunday, September 13, bringing the 2026 U.S. Open to a close. The Greatest Champions in US Open History The history of the US Open began long before the so-called Open Era of tennis. The men’s competition was first held in 1881, still under the name U.S. National Championships, while the women’s tournament began in 1887. It wasn’t until 1968 that the Open Era began, when tournaments started allowing both amateur and professional players to compete together. This distinction between the two periods is important for understanding the evolution of the sport and must be taken into account when comparing results from different eras, since professional players were not admitted to the US Open until 1968—up until then, the tournament had been exclusively for amateur players. Looking at these different generations together helps highlight the historical significance of the US Open, which has been held for 145 years. Across all eras, the most successful singles champion is Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, born in Norway, who won eight titles between 1915 and 1926. Helen Wills, from the United States, comes in second with seven titles. Among men, the all-time record is shared by Richard Sears, William Larned, and Bill Tilden—all Americans—who also have seven titles each. In the Open Era, which began in 1968, Chris Evert and Serena Williams, both Americans, lead the women’s rankings with six titles each. Among the men, Americans Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras and Swiss player Roger Federer have each won five titles. The following table lists the top singles champions in the competition’s history, allowing for a comparison of different generations while also identifying the periods in which their victories occurred. Notable Achievements at the U.S. Open Throughout its history, the U.S. Open has produced records that also help shed light on the tournament’s evolution. One of the most remarkable belongs to American Jimmy Connors: he is the only tennis player, among both men and women, to have won U.S. Open singles titles on three different surface types. He was champion on grass in 1974, on clay in 1976, and on hard courts in 1978, 1982, and 1983. This record mirrors the tournament’s own evolution, as it has changed surfaces over the course of its history. Connors also holds the men’s record for 98 singles match wins at the US Open. Among women, the record is held by American Chris Evert, with 101 wins. Evert set yet another impressive record by reaching the semifinals in 16 consecutive appearances at the tournament. The length of matches has also produced historic moments. In 2024, Britain’s Daniel Evans and Russia’s Karen Khachanov played the longest match ever recorded at the US Open. The first-round match lasted 5 hours and 35 minutes and ended with a five-set victory for Evans, after the Briton had been trailing 4-0 in the decisive set. These records, spanning different generations, demonstrate how the history of the US Open combines longevity, changes within the tournament itself, and exceptional individual performances. Throughout its history, the U.S. Open has been held at various venues, on different surfaces, and in various formats before establishing itself as one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. From its earliest editions in the 19th century to the grand arenas of Flushing Meadows, generations of tennis players have set records, achieved remarkable feats, and helped transform the U.S. Open into one of the premier events on the global tennis calendar. In 2026, this story continues to unfold. As the main draw matches in the men’s and women’s singles begin, new matchups, surprises, and potential records will emerge leading up to the finals on September 12 and 13. After reading the three articles in this special series, you’re now familiar with the history, the key players, the rules, and the unique aspects of the tournament. It’s time to turn our attention back to the courts in New York. How about following the singles matches at the 2026 U.S. Open up close? The ball is in play, new chapters are beginning to be written, and intense emotions await us until the very last point! By Luiz Cincurá Founder and Editor High-TechSociety.com Editorial Transparency: This article was produced with the support of ChatGPT during the research and preliminary content organization stages. The editorial approach, critical analysis, technical review, and final drafting were carried out by the Editor, who is ultimately responsible for the published content. Sources Consulted: ATP Tour: Men’s World Rankings – Singles International Tennis Hall of Fame: Elisabeth Moore – Singles Titles at the U.S. National Championships Juliette Atkinson – Singles Titles at the U.S. National Championships Maria Esther Bueno – Career and Titles at the U.S. Championships US Open: Fan Week 2026 – schedule, qualifying, and activities Fan Week – official event schedule Mixed Doubles 2026 – participants, schedule, and match format Mixed Doubles Final – Muchova/Mensik vs. Bencic/Cobolli Dates and general schedule for the 2026 US Open Court of Champions – great champions and historic records Historical list of US Open champions Historic records and all-time singles champions Jimmy Connors – titles on three different surfaces Chris Evert – 16 Consecutive Semifinals Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors – Singles Win Records Daniel Evans vs. Karen Khachanov – Longest Match in US Open History WTA: Women’s World Rankings – Singles How to cite this publication: ANDRADE, Luiz Inácio Caribé Cincurá de. US Open 2026 – Part 3: Records, Great Champions, and the US Open in Real Time. High-TechSociety.com, Aug. 30, 2026. Available at:

Participants, competition, awards, highlights, tickets and where to watch. High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá | Cite After the qualifying period, the men's and women's singles draws for the 2026 US Open are set to begin on August 30. This main event will bring together some of the world's best tennis players at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center , a complex managed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) , located in Flushing Meadows - Corona Park, one of the major public parks in Queens, New York . In this second part, High-Tech Society presents the qualifying phase , explains how players reach the main stage of the tournament (main draw) , and the logic behind the seeding , as well as discussing the competition format , prize money , favorites , tickets , and broadcast options in different regions of the world. Participants The singles competition, with one player facing another player , is organized in two distinct stages: the qualifying round, or qualifying phase, and the main stage, designated by the tournament as the main draw . Coincidentally, both the qualifying round and the main draw begin with the participation of 256 tennis players, 128 in the men's category and 128 in the women's category, although the purpose and access criteria for the two stages are different. Qualifying The qualifying rounds precede the main draw and bring together tennis players who did not obtain direct entry and who compete, in this qualifying phase, for spots to enter the main draw . In each discipline, the 128 qualifying spots are distributed as follows: 119 direct entries + 9 wild cards = 128 participants. The 119 direct entries are filled from among eligible and registered players, following the ranking order . Thus, a tennis player may not have a high enough ranking to enter the main draw directly , but be well-positioned enough to secure a spot in the qualifying rounds . The other nine spots to participate in the qualifying rounds are allocated to wild cards , invitations granted by the organization. In this 2026 US Open , for example, Kei Nishikori , a finalist at the 2014 US Open , received a wild card to compete in the qualifying rounds . The invitation guaranteed his participation in the qualifying phase, but not a place in the main draw. The Japanese player won the first two rounds and reached the decisive match , played on August 28, 2026 , in which he was defeated by his compatriot Rei Sakamoto 6-4, 7-6(3) . Sakamoto thus secured one of the 16 available spots in the men's main draw . Also at this 2026 US Open, Grigor Dimitrov, former world number 3 and US Open semi-finalist in 2019 , was one of the 16 players who qualified for the men's main draw. After winning the first two rounds of qualifying , the Bulgarian secured his qualification on August 27, 2026 , when his opponent in the third and decisive round, Otto Virtanen , withdrew before the match was played, thus advancing by walkover (WO) in the third and decisive round of qualifying . The 128 participants in the qualifying round compete in three elimination rounds: 128 participants → 64 → 32 → 16 qualified. Therefore, of the 128 men who start the qualifying rounds, 16 secure spots in the main draw . The same occurs in the women's category. Considering both categories, 256 tennis players participate in the qualifying rounds and 32 advance—16 men and 16 women . Main key The main draw is the stage where tennis players effectively compete for the US Open title. There are 128 participants in the men's draw and 128 in the women's draw , totaling 256 tennis players . In each category, the 128 places are filled as follows: 104 direct entries + 16 qualifiers + 8 wild cards = 128 participants. Considering both the men's and women's competitions together, there are 208 direct entry spots, 32 earned through qualifying, and 16 granted via wild cards , totaling 256 participants in the main draws of both events. Direct entry via ranking. Most of the spots in the main draw — 104 in the men's and 104 in the women's — correspond to what are called direct entries . This mechanism allows a player to enter the main draw without having to compete in the qualifying rounds . The references are the world singles rankings of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for men and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for women. For the initial list of participants for the 2026 US Open, the rankings from July 20th were considered . Slots were filled following the order of these rankings and also taking into account players eligible to use protected or special rankings. Therefore, there is no fixed ranking position that guarantees direct entry into the US Open every year . The so-called "cut" corresponds to the ranking of the last player who secured one of these spots in that edition. In 2026 , the initial cut was at the 101st position in the men's ranking and the 102nd in the women's ranking . These numbers result from the composition of the participant lists and may change with each edition. Protected or special ranking Within the set of direct entries, there is also the possibility of using the protected ranking in the men's circuit, or the special ranking in the women's circuit. This mechanism allows certain players who have been away from competition for an extended period, in situations foreseen by the respective regulations, to return to the circuit without depending exclusively on their current world ranking, which may have fallen significantly during their absence. In the men's circuit, the ATP calls this mechanism Entry Protection . Once the requirements established by the organization are met, the player temporarily has a reference position that can be used to request entry into a certain number of tournaments. A hypothetical example helps to illustrate: a player who was ranked 40th before a prolonged absence could return occupying only the 200th position in the world rankings. If they were entitled to protected ranking and the reference position recognized by the ATP was sufficient to overcome the US Open cutoff, they could gain direct entry into the main draw even if their current ranking was not high enough. In the women's circuit, the WTA uses the Special Ranking , a mechanism with a similar purpose and its own rules, applicable to situations foreseen by the organization, including certain absences due to medical conditions and maternity leave. The protected or special ranking does not restore a player's former world ranking position, does not add points, and does not automatically guarantee a spot in the tournament . It provides a reference position for entry purposes. If this position is sufficient for entry into the US Open, the tennis player may occupy one of the available spots. Therefore, the protected or special ranking does not constitute an additional category to the 128 main draw slots . When used to gain direct entry, the player occupies one of the 104 slots allocated for direct entries . Wild cards In addition to direct entries and those who qualified , each main draw has eight wild cards . These are invitations granted by the organization that allow the participation of players who did not obtain a spot through the normal direct entry process. It is important to distinguish between the two types of invitations: there are wild cards for qualifying and wild cards for the main draw . Receiving an invitation for qualifying only allows you to compete in the qualifying phase ; receiving a wild card for the main draw places the player directly among the 128 participants competing for the title. In this 2026 US Open , Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens , both former US Open champions, received wild cards for the women's main draw . In the men's draw, Gaël Monfils and Alexei Popyrin are among the players who received this type of invitation. A last-minute change occurred in the men's draw. American Patrick Kypson, who had received a wild card into the main draw, withdrew from the U.S. Open due to an injury. With his withdrawal, the wild card was reallocated to Swiss player Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 U.S. Open champion, who was directly entered into the tournament's main draw. Lucky loser There is also an exceptional situation that can alter the originally defined composition of the main draw. A lucky loser is a player defeated in the qualifying rounds who may subsequently enter the main draw if a vacancy arises due to the withdrawal of another participant , respecting the criteria established by the regulations to determine who can occupy that vacancy. Thus, the composition of the US Open draws involves different access mechanisms. The ranking determines most of the entries, qualifying offers a second chance to qualify , wild cards allow invitations granted by the organization, and specific mechanisms, such as protected or special ranking and lucky loser , address situations foreseen by the regulations of professional tennis. Stylized illustrative image, produced using artificial intelligence. Competition The singles tournament is played in a knockout system . With 128 participants in each event, seven consecutive wins are needed to win the title. In men's singles, matches are played best-of-five sets; in women's singles, best-of-three . In the deciding set , if the score reaches 6 games to 6 , a 10-point match tiebreak is used, with a minimum difference of two points to determine the winner. In addition to singles competitions, the US Open also features men's and women's doubles matches , in which two players form a team and face another pair. In 2026 , the brackets for these events will be released separately: the women's bracket on September 1st and the men's bracket on September 2nd , with matches starting on the following days. Among the names already confirmed are Serena and Venus Williams , who received a wild card to compete together in women's doubles. The sisters , champions of the US Open in 1999 and 2009 , will once again compete together in a Grand Slam doubles competition after their last appearance at the 2022 US Open . Seeded teams and draw. Among the 128 participants in each main draw, 32 are designated as seeded players . This condition differs from direct entry: a player may have a high enough ranking to automatically enter the main draw, but not be among the 32 seeded players. The purpose of this mechanism is to distribute the highest-ranked players across different sectors of the bracket , reducing the possibility of the title favorites facing each other in the early rounds. Without this protection, a completely random draw could, for example, place the two highest-ranked players against each other in the very first round, producing a kind of "premature final". Therefore, the draw for the bracket is not entirely random. Beforehand, the seeded players are organized according to specific distribution rules. In a draw with 128 players, the number 1 seed is placed at one end and the number 2 seed at the opposite end . This way, the two can only face each other in the final. The number 3 and number 4 seeds are then drawn into different sections of the bracket, so that each is in a distinct half and can only meet the top two from the semi-finals onwards. The distribution proceeds by groups: the top seeds 5 to 8, 9 to 12, 13 to 16, 17 to 24, and 25 to 32 are drawn within positions previously determined by the regulations. Thus, there is a draw, but it occurs within a structure that progressively spreads the highest-ranked players throughout the bracket. The result is a hierarchical distribution. The top two can only face each other in the final ; the top four can only face each other from the semifinals onwards; and players from the following groups can then face opponents of similar ranking as the tournament progresses. The remaining participants — those who are not seeded — complete the available positions in the bracket through a draw, observing the other applicable rules. Therefore, being a seeded player does not mean receiving any advantage in points or starting the tournament in a later round. Everyone starts the competition normally. The protection lies exclusively in the position occupied in the draw , creating a planned distribution of the highest-ranked players before the results on the court determine who will continue advancing. In the men's draw, Jannik Sinner's withdrawal altered the initially expected configuration. Alexander Zverev assumed the number 1 seed, while Carlos Alcaraz appears as number 2. Novak Djokovic is another of the big names present in the competition. Awards The 2026 US Open has set a new record for player compensation: $108 million , a 20% increase over the $90 million distributed in 2025. The champions of the men's and women's singles draws will each receive US$5.5 million , the largest individual prize awarded to champions in a tennis tournament. The distribution of individual prize money for singles is as follows: Champion: US$ 5.5 million Runner-up: US$ 2.8 million Semifinalists: US$ 1.45 million Quarter-finals: US$780,000 Round of 16: US$ 480,000 Third round: US$ 290,000 Second round: US$190,000 First round: US$140,000 There was also an increase in the prize money allocated to participants in the qualifying rounds . As the qualifying phase is played in three rounds , the amount received depends on when the tennis player finishes their participation in the tournament. Players eliminated in the first round of qualifying receive US$32,000 . Players who win their first match but are eliminated in the second round receive US$48,000 . Those who win their first two matches and lose in the third and decisive round of qualifying receive US$66,000 . These amounts are not cumulative . The prize money is determined by the stage the player has reached when their participation ends . Thus, someone who loses in the second round of qualifying receives a total of US$48,000, not US$32,000 plus US$48,000. Similarly, someone who loses in the third round receives a total of US$66,000. The same logic applies to a tennis player who manages to get through all three rounds of qualifying . In this case, their participation in the tournament has not ended : they have secured one of the 16 spots and advanced to the main draw. Therefore, they do not receive the US$66,000 prize money for the third round of qualifying and then add that amount to their main draw prize money. If this player is eliminated in the first round of the main draw , their total prize money will be US$140,000 . Therefore, they will not receive US$66,000 plus US$140,000. If they continue advancing, the amount will be determined again by the round in which their participation ends. Thus, qualifying and the main draw are part of a single prize money progression for the player who manages to qualify : the final amount corresponds to the stage reached in the US Open, and not to the sum of the amounts foreseen for each round played. In addition to the traditional prize money, the 2026 edition marks the creation of the Player Support Program , an initiative that will make the US Open the first Grand Slam tournament to establish such a program . The fund will have an initial contribution of US$2 million , divided equally between men and women and held in a specific account while the details of its operation are defined. Eligibility will not be determined by ranking ranges: the program should cover participants in the main singles and doubles draws of the US Open. The program was designed to supplement existing retirement funds , offering benefits related to events that occurred during a player's professional career and their transition to retirement . The specific benefits, their values, and the conditions for receiving them will be defined later, with guidance and participation from the newly created Grand Slam Player Advisory Council , which will also provide recommendations on how the program's resources should be used. Highlights Being a favorite in a Grand Slam doesn't depend solely on ranking position. Recent results, performance on the surface, tournament history, and physical condition can also influence each player's prospects. In the men's competition, experience in best-of-five-set matches is added to these factors , a characteristic that can become important throughout the seven rounds of the competition. In the men's draw, three names naturally emerge as top contenders for the title. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain is the reigning US Open champion and is seeking his third title in New York . His return to competition, however, comes after a period sidelined by a wrist injury, adding an important variable to the assessment of his performance. Alexander Zverev, from Germany, is the number 1 seed. The 2026 Roland Garros champion and Wimbledon runner-up , he has also reached the final in New York, where he was a finalist in 2020. Novak Djokovic of Serbia is once again a contender for the title. A four-time US Open champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, he seeks to add to one of the greatest resumes in tennis history. In addition to them, the men's draw features other players in a position to make significant progress. Ben Shelton arrives after a strong season on American hard courts, while Arthur Fils won the title in Cincinnati. Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion , also has proven experience in the conditions of Flushing Meadows. In the women's competition, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus begins the defense of two consecutive titles won in New York. A third consecutive victory would make her the first woman since Serena Williams, champion between 2012 and 2014, to win three consecutive US Open titles. Elena Rybakina, from Kazakhstan , arrives as the world number 2, champion of the 2026 Australian Open , and in a position to even compete for the world number one ranking during the tournament. Jessica Pegula of the United States, a finalist at the 2024 US Open, and Coco Gauff, champion in 2023 and recent winner in Cincinnati , are also among the top contenders. Iga Świątek of Poland, the 2022 US Open champion, remains among the most competitive names in the draw . The presence of other Grand Slam champions and rising stars further expands the number of potential contenders for the final stages. The presence of Grand Slam champions , players in good form, and other title favorites indicates an open competition , in which different names could advance in the race for the trophy. The results of the US Open could also cause significant changes in the top positions of the men's and women's world rankings. Tickets The US Open offers different types of tickets, depending on the stadium, the session, and the type of experience the spectator desires. Tickets for Arthur Ashe Stadium include reserved seating for the corresponding session and also allow access, subject to availability and applicable rules, to the general admission areas of Louis Armstrong Stadium , the Grandstand , and the outdoor courts. Another option is the Grounds Admission ticket . This ticket allows you to move around the accessible areas of the complex and watch games on the outdoor courts and in the general admission areas of Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand, subject to availability. Grounds Admission, however, does not grant access to Arthur Ashe Stadium. Since prices can vary significantly depending on the day, session, stadium, seat location, and availability, you should check the official US Open sales channels for the most up-to-date options. Prices are dynamic and can vary significantly depending on the date, session, stadium, seat location, and availability. As a reference for the 2026 edition, Ticketmaster reports average prices of approximately US$121 for Grounds Admission, US$205 for Louis Armstrong Stadium, and US$222 for Arthur Ashe Stadium. Tickets can also be found for lower prices, depending on the session and availability, while more popular matches and higher-category seats can reach considerably higher prices. Where to watch In Brazil , the 2026 US Open will be broadcast on ESPN 2 and SporTV, subscription television channels. and by Disney+ , via streaming. For Premium Plan subscribers, Disney+ offers full coverage of the tournament, with all matches available online , which can also be watched on television through the app on compatible devices. In other Latin American countries , ESPN is also among the main providers of tournament coverage. In the United States , the broadcast is carried by ESPN . In Europe , rights vary by country, with coverage from broadcasters and platforms such as Eurosport in several markets, Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland , Sky in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy , and Movistar in Spain . The specific availability of channels, digital platforms, and matches may vary depending on the broadcasting rights established for each country. With the draws finalized, the 2026 US Open is ready to begin its main stage. The first singles matches are scheduled for this Sunday, August 30th, starting at 11:00 AM New York time. The first round of the men's and women's draws will be played over the first three days of the competition. Ranking, history, and status as favorites give way to on-court results: seven wins will be needed for two players, one in the men's draw and one in the women's draw, to finish the tournament as champions of the 2026 US Open. Until then, many emotions are in store for the participants and the public. Across its seven rounds, the 2026 US Open will showcase action, technique, speed, and determination in true spectacles on the courts, with great plays and much applause. But only two tennis players will achieve ultimate glory: becoming the male and female champions of the 2026 US Open. By Luiz Cincurá Founder and Editor High-TechSociety.com Editorial transparency: This article was produced with the support of ChatGPT during the research and preliminary content organization stages. The definition of the editorial approach, critical analysis, technical review, and final writing were carried out by the Editor, who is ultimately responsible for the published content. Sources Consulted: US Open / USTA US Open: 2026 Tournament Schedule US Open: 2026 US Open offers $108 million in player compensation, largest package in tennis history US Open: Prize Money US Open: 2026 Gate Opening Times US Open: Men's Singles Main Draw and Qualifying Wild Cards US Open: Women's Singles Main Draw and Qualifying Wild Cards US Open: Tickets and Grounds Admission US Open: Tournament Draws, Seeds and Schedule of Play ATP Tour ATP Tour: 2026 US Open Prize Money ATP Tour: Who Qualified for the US Open? ATP Tour: US Open Draw, Players and Tournament Information WTA WTA: US Open 2026 Draw and Seedings WTA: US Open Player and Tournament Information Grand Slam Grand Slam Rule Book: Regulations for Grand Slam Tournaments Ticketmaster Ticketmaster: 2026 US Open FAQs — Event Tips & Information Ticketmaster: 2026 US Open Tickets Guide — Ticket Types & Passes Explained ESPN ESPN MediaZone Brazil: The start of the US Open is a highlight of ESPN's weekly programming. ESPN: US Open 2026 — Broadcast and Coverage Information Disney+ Disney+: Watch the 2026 US Open and catch more tennis stories between matches. Disney+ Brazil: Plans and subscription How to cite this publication: ANDRADE, Luiz Inácio Caribé Cincurá de. US Open 2026 - Part 2: Participants, competition, awards, highlights, tickets and where to watch. High-TechSociety.com August 29, 2026. Available at:

History, courts, and characteristics of hard courts in New York High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá | Cite The 2026 US Open has already begun. Held in New York , the last of the four Grand Slam tournaments of the season takes place this year between August 23 and September 13 , bringing together the biggest names in world tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Although the event officially opened on August 23, the main draw for men's and women's singles will only begin on August 30 . The first week is called Fan Week and includes, among other activities, the qualifying tournament, in which players compete for the last available spots in the main draws. The workings of this qualifying process will be discussed in another part of this series. In 2026, the US Open will feature 22 days of tennis and entertainment , the longest competition schedule in the event's history. The US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament held each season, following the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon. These four tournaments occupy prominent positions on the international tennis calendar. The four Grand Slams Although they belong to the same category, the four Grand Slams have their own characteristics regarding history, location, court surface, and the identity of each competition. A story that began in the 19th century. The history of the US Open began long before the creation of the current structure of professional tennis. The first edition of what was then the US National Championship was held in 1881 at the Newport Casino in Rhode Island . The men's singles competition was played on grass and initially brought together amateur players affiliated with clubs belonging to the United States National Tennis Association. Over the following decades, the tournament underwent changes of location and reflected the transformation of tennis itself. In 1915 , the competition was moved to the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York. After a period between 1921 and 1923 in Philadelphia , it returned to Forest Hills, where it remained until 1977. One of the most important moments in its history occurred in 1968 , the first year of the so-called Open Era of tennis , which began when major tournaments started allowing the participation of professional players , who had previously been barred from competing in amateur-only competitions. This change remains in effect to this day. The word " Open " itself is related to this opening of tournaments to the participation of professionals as well. That same year, the first edition under the name US Open was held, won in the men's singles tournament by American Arthur Ashe , whose name, decades later, would be given to the main stadium of the competition. The opening to professionals did not, however, mean the exclusion of amateurs. Professionals and amateurs can compete in the same competition, without separate brackets based on that status , as long as they obtain a spot according to the criteria established for the tournament. The status of amateur is also not linked to a specific age range: players of different ages can compete as amateurs , as long as they meet the necessary sporting requirements to participate. From Forest Hills to Flushing Meadows The growth of tennis and its audience has made the Forest Hills facilities insufficient for the new dimensions reached by the US Open. In 1978 , the tournament moved to Flushing Meadows, Queens , and was held at its current complex, later named the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center . The transfer represented more than just a change of address. The tournament was leaving the structure of a traditional club and moving to a large complex set up in a public park in New York, expanding its capacity to accommodate players and spectators. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center features 22 outdoor hard courts , including Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and the Grandstand, as well as 12 courts in the adjacent Flushing Meadows–Corona Park and 12 indoor courts , totaling 46 tennis courts that support the US Open infrastructure . Stylized illustrative image, produced using artificial intelligence. Currently, its main venue is the Arthur Ashe Stadium , which opened in 1997. With a capacity of over 23,000 seats , it is the largest tennis stadium in the world. The complex also features other important venues for matches, including the Louis Armstrong Stadium and the Grandstand , as well as several courts used during the competition. A Grand Slam that has already been played on three different types of court surfaces. One historical characteristic distinguishes the US Open from other Grand Slam tournaments: it is the only one that has been played on all three main surface categories used in tennis . From 1881 to 1974 , the tournament was held on grass . Between 1975 and 1977 , Forest Hills used Har-Tru , known as green clay . Finally, with the move to Flushing Meadows in 1978 , the US Open adopted hard courts , which have been used ever since. His career even produced a unique achievement. American Jimmy Connors managed to win the US Open on all three surfaces: grass in 1974 ; green clay in 1976 ; and hard court in 1978. He would later go on to win the titles in 1982 and 1983 . Since 2020 , the US Open courts have used the Laykold surface system . How does the ball behave on the US Open court? Simply stating that the US Open is played on hard courts doesn't fully explain how the surface affects the game. Different hard courts can exhibit different speeds, depending on factors such as surface composition and texture. At the US Open, Laykold courts utilize a multi-layered acrylic coating system applied over a rigid asphalt or concrete base. The composition and texture of this surface influence important characteristics for tennis, such as friction, bounce, and the speed of the ball after contact with the court. At the US Open, the aim is to maintain these characteristics uniform across the different courts of the complex, providing players with more consistent and predictable playing conditions. The current characteristics of the court surface favor a fast-paced game . After contact with the surface, the ball maintains enough speed to encourage aggressive shots and reduce the time available for the opponent's response. This emphasizes efficient serves, quick returns, powerful and precise shots, and the ability to attack at the right moment . At the same time, the consistent bounce allows for long rallies at the baseline , making the hard surface an environment where different playing styles can find space. Movement is also crucial. Starting, slowing down, braking, and successive changes of direction require speed, balance, coordination, and physical endurance. Therefore, the surface area alone does not determine who will have an advantage. Technique, strategy, power, movement, and adaptability remain fundamental. New York and the identity of the US Open The US Open has also acquired characteristics that resonate with the city in which it is held. New York is multicultural and one of the world's largest metropolises, characterized by the intense circulation of people and a dynamic urban life, with a wide range of sporting, artistic and entertainment activities. In this environment, the US Open has developed its own unique atmosphere. Large stadiums, night sessions, a large and engaged audience, and the integration of sport and entertainment contribute to an experience unlike that found in other Grand Slam tournaments. The vibrant atmosphere of New York thus finds a particular expression during the US Open . For a few weeks, Flushing Meadows transforms into one of the great meeting points of world tennis, bringing together players and spectators of different nationalities. This integration of sporting tradition, innovation, and the New York atmosphere helps build the tournament's contemporary identity. More than a century after the first competition held in Newport, the US Open preserves its historical importance while keeping pace with the transformations of tennis and strengthening its relationship with players, spectators, and the city itself. By Luiz Cincurá Founder and Editor High-TechSociety.com Editorial transparency: This article was produced with the support of ChatGPT during the research and preliminary content organization stages. The definition of the editorial approach, critical analysis, technical review, and final writing were carried out by the Editor, who is ultimately responsible for the published content. Sources Consulted: US Open: Tournament Schedule 2026 Year by Year Laykold selected as US Open court surface Fan Week/Qualifying Tournament USTA - United States Tennis Association: Billie Jean King National Tennis Center – Our Campuses ITF - International Tennis Federation: 2026 Official Grand Slam Rule Book How to cite this publication: ANDRADE, Luiz Inácio Caribé Cincurá de. US Open 2026 – Part 1: History, courts and characteristics of hard courts in New York. High-Tech Society, August 26, 2026. Available at: https://www.high-techsociety.com/post/us-open-2026-parte-1

Updates: This article, originally published on February 26, 2024, has been preserved in its original form. New information about the progress of the Overture project is being added, by topic, in a separate section following the original text. Click on the topic of each update to view it. First update, August 25, 2026: XB-1 and the first Overture High-TechSociety.com | By Luiz Cincurá | Cite It has been 20 years since Concorde was retired on October 24, 2003, after its last journey between New York and London. From its first commercial flight, on 01/21/1976 and for 27 years, Concorde transported almost four million people and carried out 50 thousand supersonic flights. However, high operating costs, high fares and a serious plane crash, among other factors, led to the closure of the first commercial plane to exceed the speed of sound. The (privileged) supersonic passengers were nostalgic for these flights, which were carried out by 14 Concordes. The Concorde flew at 2,200 km/h per hour - almost twice the speed of sound - at an altitude of 18,000 meters. Thus, it was able to fly between Paris and New York in just 3h45min, allowing the passenger, depending on the time zones, to "arrive in New York before leaving Paris". Despite the long passage of time since the last flight, commercial supersonics will be back. They will be produced by a startup, whose purpose is to reactivate supersonic commercial aviation, in a safer, more economical and more sustainable way. This new technological challenge has as its protagonist the startup Boom Supersonic , a manufacturing company based in Colorado, USA that is developing the “ Overture Supersonic ” aircraft project. The first plane is expected to leave the factory in 2026 and by 2029 Boom Supersonic intends to start supersonic commercial flights. Boom's current timeline targets a first flight in 2027 and certification of the aircraft in 2029, which would have it ready to enter service shortly thereafter. According to the CEO of Boom Supersonic, there is a challenge to be overcome: democratizing access to supersonic commercial aviation, as Concorde flights were elitist. "We set out with a very big and audacious goal of creating the first supersonic plane in which tens of millions of people can fly," told Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, to CNN. "Supersonic travel, in my opinion, is about bringing the world closer together. Our ultimate vision is supersonic flight for all passengers on all routes." The Overture's engine will be the Symphony, which was designed with special attention to noise, one of the Concorde's biggest disadvantages: "It must be efficient in supersonic flights, but also silent for takeoff and landing," commented Scholl. The Symphony engine was designed to run entirely on SAF, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a type of aviation fuel whose production methods promise to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%, according to IATA, the International Air Transport Association. Boom is also committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. All of these sustainability purposes will be assessed in the certification process. The aircraft is being designed to carry between 64 and 80 passengers, at a speed of Mach 1.7 which represents 2,100 km/hour or 1,304 miles/hour, at an altitude of 60,000 feet or 18,000 meters. It is projected that Overture will be able to travel between London and New York in around three and a half hours, cutting travel time in half compared to traditional commercial flights. The Overture Supersonic factory is under construction, starting in January 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, at the Piedmont Triad International Airport . With a significant portion of the exterior building constructed, the Overture Superfactory continues to take shape and remains on track for completion in 2024. The factory will include a final assembly line, a testing facility and a customer delivery center. Boom has been building the campus in sections, focusing first on the final assembly line, where it will have the capacity to produce up to 33 Overture aircraft per year, which could grow to 66 per year with the addition of a second line. Overture Superfactory will occupy approximately 150,000 square feet, equivalent to 13,935 m² with an additional 24,000 square feet, equivalent to 2,229 m² of office space. "Our vision for Piedmont Triad International Airport is to become the center of aviation innovation ," said Kevin Baker, Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority. "Boom is positioned to define the next century of progress in air travel, and we are proud to see its vision taking shape in our backyard with the Overture Superfactory in the Triad." Boom says it will bring more than 1,750 jobs to North Carolina by 2030, expanding to a total of more than 2,400 jobs by 2032. North Carolina economists estimate the Overture Superfactory will grow the state's economy by at least $32 .3 billion in 20 years. To date, three airlines have placed purchase orders for the Overture Supersonic: United Airlines, American Airlines and Japan Airlines, with a total of 130 orders. By Luiz Cincurá luiz.cincura@high-techsociety.com This article was produced entirely by the author, based on independent research, critical analysis, and original writing, with all references duly cited and without the use of artificial intelligence. Sources: ABC11. Boom wants supersonic plane travel for everyone - but can it deliver? Available at: https://abc11.com/boom-supersonic-airplane-overture/13592668/> Accessed on: 24.fev.2024. BOOM. Boom Supersonic Reaches Overture Superfactory Milestone. Available at: Accessed on: 24.fev.2024. CNN. PRISCO, Jacopo. Boom wants supersonic plane travel for everyone — but can it deliver? Available at: < https://www.cnn.com/travel/boom-supersonic-ambitions-scn/index.html > Accessed on: 24.Feb.2024. G1 PORTAL. Discover Overture, a supersonic plane project that will have twice the speed of current aircraft . Available at: < https://g1.globo.com/inovacao/noticia/2022/08/17/conheca-o-overture-projeto-de-aviao-supersonico-que-tera-o-dobro-da-velocidade- das-aeronaves-atuais.ghtml > Accessed on: 24.dec.2024>. PRNEWSWIRE. (News provided by Boom Supersonic). Boom Supersonic Reaches Overture Superfactory Milestone . Available at: < https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boom-supersonic-reaches-overture-superfactory-milestone-301933449.html > Accessed on: Feb 26, 2024. FROG. The_ultima_of_concorde (2008). < http://dn.sapo.pt/2005/12/02/boa_vida/o_ultimo_do_concorde.html > Link discontinued. TAYLOR, Chris. ACG PIEDMONT TRIAD NETWORK. Boom Supersonic - Building the Supersonic Future . Available at: < https://www.acg.org/piedmont-triad-network/events/boom-supersonic-building-supersonic-future > Access at : 25.Feb.2024. TRADE AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT. Piedmont Triad International Embraces Aerospace Innovation . Available at: < https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/aerospace-defense/piedmont-triad-international-embraces-aerospace-31970 > Accessed on: 25.feb.2024. VIDEO FROM SPACE. NY to London in 3.5 hours? Meet Boom Supersonic's 'Overture' aircraft. Available at: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB0ME_6_gSk > Accessed on: 25.Feb.2024. First update, August 25, 2026: XB-1 and the first Overture When this article was published on February 25, 2024, Boom Supersonic anticipated that the first Overture would roll off the assembly line in 2026 and make its maiden flight in 2027. The factory designated for assembling the Overture has been completed. Scheduled for 2026, the unveiling of the first commercial aircraft has not yet been confirmed. During this time, however, another Boom aircraft reached an important milestone. On March 22, 2024, less than a month after this article was originally published, the XB-1 made its first flight. From there, the aircraft completed a series of 13 test flights, the last two of which were supersonic. On January 28, 2025, during the 12th flight of the test campaign, it broke the sound barrier for the first time, reaching Mach 1.122. On February 10, 2025, it completed its 13th and final flight—the second supersonic flight—reaching Mach 1.18 and concluding its test campaign. The XB-1, however, is not the first Overture. It is a technology demonstrator—an experimental aircraft built to test solutions and generate knowledge related to the development of supersonic aircraft. Although it initially emerged from concepts related to the Overture, the two projects evolved differently. The distinction is important. A technology demonstrator does not need to fully replicate the commercial product that will eventually be manufactured. It allows for the testing of technologies, materials, aerodynamics, systems, and in-flight behavior before this knowledge is applied to the development of a subsequent aircraft. A prototype, on the other hand, is an experimental version of the very product that is intended to be produced later. Therefore, the fact that the XB-1 broke the sound barrier does not mean that the Overture has already flown. The result demonstrated Boom’s ability to design, build, and operate an experimental supersonic aircraft and allowed the company to gain knowledge that can be applied to the development of the Overture. Progress has also been made on the infrastructure needed for future production. In June 2024, Boom completed its Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, which was built to house the aircraft’s final assembly line. The next milestone, scheduled for 2026, is the rollout of the first Overture—the public unveiling of the first completed aircraft—prior to the start of the tests leading up to its maiden flight. As of August, the date for this event had not yet been announced. The period since the original publication has thus seen two distinct developments: the XB-1 experimental project achieved supersonic flight and completed its mission, while the Overture project is moving forward with its development, with the unveiling of the first commercial aircraft scheduled for 2026. Sources for this update: Boom Supersonic; Piedmont Triad Airport Authority; The News & Observer. How to cite this publication: ANDRADE, Luiz Inácio Caribé Cincurá de. Overture, Boom's supersonic for 2029. High-Tech Society, Feb. 26, 2024. Available at: https://www.high-techsociety.com/en/post/overture-boom-s-supersonic-for-2029

In a democracy, what could explain the high voter turnout in a country where voting is optional? This is the ninth article in the "Democracies Around the World" series, dedicated to presenting experiences, mechanisms, and characteristics of different countries that can contribute to understanding how democracies seek to improve their political systems, institutions, and citizen participation. In previous articles, the series addressed different aspects of democratic functioning and electoral processes. In this new episode, the focus shifts to a question essential to popular participation itself: what can explain a high voter turnout when citizens have complete freedom to decide whether or not they want to vote? Flag of Denmark, Christiansborg Palace¹ , the runestones of Jelling² and a mute swan3 Illustrative image generated by artificial intelligence. Democracy in Denmark Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system . The head of state is King Frederik X , who has occupied the throne since January 2024, when he succeeded his mother, Queen Margrethe II , who abdicated after a 52-year reign. The King performs essentially representative and ceremonial functions . The head of government is Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen , in office since 2019 , formally appointed by the monarch. Parliamentary democracy and monarchy thus coexist in distinct spheres. The election of political representatives and the support of the government belong to the democratic process, while the monarch exercises the leadership of the State without participating in political-partisan disputes and without governing. The king preserves his traditional and institutional role as head of state. This tradition has deep historical roots: the Danish monarchy is over a thousand years old, dating back to the Viking kings of the 10th century and is one of the oldest in the world. Although there are records of earlier kings, the current Danish monarchical tradition can be traced with historical certainty back to the reign of Gorm den Gamle , approximately between the years 936 and 958 . Even without exercising the power of government, the monarch maintains an institutional presence in the life of the State. The Prime Minister – Head of Government – and the Minister of Foreign Affairs meet regularly with the King – Head of State – to keep him informed about the internal and external political situation. This relationship, however, does not transfer responsibility for political decisions to the monarch: the government is politically accountable to Parliament. This separation of functions allows for a unique coexistence between two institutions of very different origins: a monarchy with over a thousand years of tradition and a parliamentary democracy in which the exercise of political power depends on the representation chosen by the citizens. By preserving the monarch as head of state, without entrusting him with the governance of the country, Denmark managed to reconcile the continuity of a historical tradition with the democratic exercise of political power. It is within this context of parliamentary democracy that another aspect of the Danish experience stands out: the high level of citizen participation in elections. Denmark's experience offers particularly interesting elements to answer this question. This is because voting is not compulsory, and voters who choose not to participate in an election do not suffer any penalty. Even so, voter turnout remains high. In the parliamentary elections held on March 24, 2026 , 83.99% of eligible voters cast their ballots . Of the 4,303,429 eligible citizens, 3,614,272 voted. The data becomes even more significant when observing the behavior of those who decided to participate. Only 1.29% of the votes cast were considered invalid. In Denmark, blank votes are included in the category of invalid votes, although they are identified separately in the election results. There were 46,647 invalid votes, of which 37,597 were blank. Thus, approximately 98.7% of citizens who voluntarily went to the polls cast a valid vote. This is not an isolated result. In the last six parliamentary elections, voter turnout has always remained above 83%: it was 86.59% in 2007; 87.74% in 2011; 85.89% in 2015; 84.60% in 2019; 84.16% in 2022; and 83.99% in 2026. Why, then, do citizens who have full freedom not to vote turn out to vote in such large numbers? The answer seems to lie less in an isolated measure and more in a set of social and institutional characteristics built up over time. Voting as a conscious civic commitment According to Hansen (2020), one of the main explanations for the high Danish voter turnout is the existence of a strong social perception of voting as a civic duty, cultivated since primary school and subsequently reinforced by civil society. Voting is not mandatory, but the high spontaneous turnout at the polls is associated with a civic and social dimension built up since childhood and adolescence and subsequently reinforced by society. The author also points to automatic voter registration and social traditions that encourage participation in elections as relevant factors. This education begins long before young people acquire the right to vote. Democracy is also learned at school. Democratic education is officially integrated into the objectives of the country's public school system, the Folkeskole . The Ministry of Education establishes among its objectives preparing students to participate, assume shared responsibilities, and understand their rights and duties in a free and democratic society . Educational legislation also establishes that daily school activities should be developed in an environment based on intellectual freedom, respect for the equal dignity of all people, and democracy. School education thus constitutes one of the environments in which children and adolescents come into contact with principles of participation, responsibility, rights and duties associated with democratic life. This process occurs in a democratic environment marked by a high degree of political and civil liberty. The "Freedom in the World," a global report published annually by Freedom House4 that assesses political rights and civil liberties in countries , classified Denmark as a "free" country in its 2026 edition, awarding it 97 points on a scale of 0 to 100. This result places the country in a prominent position regarding the protection of freedoms and political rights. The assessment recognizes Denmark as a robust democracy, with free and regular elections and broad protection of freedom of expression and association. This freedom is also constitutionally protected. Section 77 of the Danish Constitution – whose normative structure uses directly numbered paragraphs, not articles – guarantees citizens the right to publicly express their thoughts and prohibits censorship and other forms of prior restriction on freedom of expression. Freedom House also awarded top marks to the criterion that assesses whether people can express their opinions on political issues or other sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or reprisal, indicating that Denmark achieved – in the assessment – the highest degree of freedom to express political opinions. To facilitate the exercise of a right that remains optional. Civic culture finds support in an electoral structure that seeks to reduce obstacles to participation. Voter registration is automatic and based on public records of the population. Citizens who meet the legal requirements to vote do not need to register separately beforehand to participate in the election. The system also allows for early voting and provides alternatives for people who, due to various circumstances, might find it difficult to attend on regular election day. This characteristic deserves attention because it reveals a particular combination: the State does not force citizens to vote, but seeks to reduce difficulties for those who wish to exercise this right . Hansen's own study (2020) includes the efficient functioning of automatic voter registration among the factors that help explain the high and stable Danish voter turnout. The freedom to decide whether to participate remains preserved, while some of the administrative barriers that could hinder this participation are reduced. Trust in institutions Another relevant aspect of the Danish context is the level of trust in important public institutions. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) survey on the determinants of trust in public institutions, with data collected in 2025 and released in 2026 , showed that 77% of Danes expressed high or moderately high trust in the judiciary and 73% in the police . The percentages are lower when moving from permanent institutions to the political-party sphere . Confidence in the national government was 44% , while 35% expressed high or moderately high confidence in political parties. This difference is relevant to understanding the democratic environment. Citizens may disagree with the government, distrust political parties, or desire political change, while simultaneously maintaining confidence in the institutions responsible for enforcing the laws and preserving their rights. Institutional confidence, therefore, should not be confused with approval of the government or support for the parties vying for power. There is also an external indicator specifically related to the reliability of the electoral process . Before the parliamentary elections of March 2026, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) conducted an assessment to determine the need for international monitoring of the election. After examining the pre-election environment and consulting public institutions, political parties, the press, civil society, and representatives of the international community, the assessment found a high degree of confidence in the administration and the electoral process and did not identify any need that would justify an observation activity. Given this scenario, the ODIHR concluded that there was no need to send an election observation mission to monitor the 2026 Danish election . Socioeconomic and educational conditions High voter turnout also occurs within a context of economic, educational, and social development that should not be disregarded. Denmark has approximately 6 million inhabitants and, considering countries with comparable data from 2025, has the eighth highest GDP per capita in the world, with approximately US$77,000 per inhabitant , according to World Bank data. This high income level, however, should not be considered in isolation as the cause of the high voter turnout. Socioeconomic and educational conditions should therefore be understood as part of a broader environment that also includes democratic education, ease of voting, institutional trust, and a strong social perception favorable to electoral participation, associated with an understanding of voting as a civic duty. High-Tech Society - Analysis One of the most significant aspects of the Danish experience lies precisely in the freedom of choice. Citizens can abstain from voting, cast blank ballots, reject existing parties, and distrust the government. Even so, election after election, voluntary voter turnout remains above 80% of the electorate. There is no single explanation for this behavior. Hansen (2020) highlights the strong social perception of voting as a civic duty. Added to this are the education for democratic participation incorporated into the educational system, automatic voter registration, mechanisms that facilitate the exercise of the right to vote, and high levels of trust in the judiciary and the police. It is important to highlight that lower confidence in the government and political parties does not translate into a distancing from the electoral process. Even in the face of this result, voter turnout remains high, indicating that electoral participation is also a means by which citizens can express their choices, including when they desire changes in the political leadership of the country. The historically high voter turnout shows that Danish society has gone beyond circumstantial motivations and incorporated electoral participation into its democratic culture, revealing a civic engagement that has been consolidated over time. The Danish experience demonstrates how civic education developed over time, combined with political freedom and institutional conditions that facilitate democratic participation, has contributed to consolidating a culture in which citizens, even without mandatory voting, turn out in large numbers to participate in elections. By Luiz Cincurá Founder and Editor High-TechSociety.com Editorial transparency: This article was produced with the support of ChatGPT during the research and preliminary content organization stages. The definition of the editorial approach, critical analysis, technical review, and final writing were carried out by the Editor, who is ultimately responsible for the published content. Notes: ¹ Christiansborg Palace is a palace and government building; it houses the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), the Prime Minister's office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. It is the only building in the world to house all three branches of government simultaneously. Some parts of the palace are also used by the monarch, including the Royal Reception Rooms, the Chapel, and the Royal Stables. It is located on the island of Slotsholmen, in the center of Copenhagen. 2 The Jelling Stones are two 10th-century granite monuments located in the town of Jelling , on the Jutland peninsula, Denmark . Known as the country's "birth certificate," they represent a period of transition between Viking culture and the consolidation of Christianity in the kingdom . One of the stones, erected by King Gorm den Gamle , contains the oldest known reference to the name "Denmark ," while the other, erected by his son Harald Bluetooth , records the unification of the kingdom and its Christianization . The Jelling historical ensemble has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. 3 The mute swan ( Cygnus olor ), also called the white swan , is one of the best-known swan species and has been the national bird of Denmark since 1984 , chosen after a vote on national television. The species is world-famous in the country due to its strong connection with local culture and with the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen , especially "The Ugly Duckling". Andersen's celebrated story transformed the swan into a classic metaphor for beauty and inner transformation within Danish children's literature. Andersen celebrated the country in the text "The Swan's Nest" , describing Denmark as a mystical place where swans are born whose names will never be forgotten. 4 Freedom House is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. , founded in October 1941 by Wendell Willkie and Eleanor Roosevelt . The organization operates on the principle that freedom thrives in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people. It works to promote and defend freedom globally, with the purpose of contributing to a world where all people are free. Sources: BØRNE- OG UNDERVISNINGSMINISTERIET. Folkeskolens formal. DANMARKS STATISTIK. Folketingsvalg. DANMARKS STATISTIK. Folketingsvalg tirsdag. DET DANSKE KONGEHUS. HM Kongen FREEDOM HOUSE. About. INDENRIGS- OG SUNDHEDSMINISTERIET. Nu kan du dykke ned i nøgletallene fra folketingsvalget INDENRIGS- OG SUNDHEDSMINISTERIET. Hvad sker der, hvis jeg stemmer blankt? FOLKETINGET : Grundloven og det danske democracy Sådan dannes en regering Grundlovens § 2 . Grundlovens § 14 . HANSEN, Kasper M. (2020). Electoral Turnout: Strong Social Norms of Voting. In: The Oxford Handbook of Danish Politics. OxfordUniversity Press. OECD. OECD Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions 2026 Results — Denmark. OSCE/ODIHR. Denmark, Early General Elections, 24 March 2026: Needs Assessment Mission Report. RETSINFORMATION. Bekendtgørelse af lov om folkeskolen. SCHRØDER, Kim; BLACH-ØRSTEN, Mark. Denmark — Digital News Report. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford. STATSMINISTERIET. Statsminister Mette Frederiksen WIKIPEDIA. Christiansborg Slot WORLD BANK. GDP per capita (current US$)

How can a democracy provide broader information so that voters can independently assess which candidate seems best prepared to serve as President? Peru's experience reveals a way to expand the information available to voters before they choose who will govern. The Democracies Around the World series has been showcasing different mechanisms adopted by countries to address challenges in the functioning of their democracies. The article Democracy in Costa Rica presented an experience related to the participation of party members in party conventions where candidates are chosen for the electoral process. In this new episode, we move on to another stage of the process: once the candidates have been presented, what information is available so that voters can better understand those who intend to govern the country? The experience of Peru offers an interesting path for this reflection. Pizarro's House (Government Palace of Peru), Flag of Peru, Machu Picchu, and Andean Condor Illustrative image generated by artificial intelligence. Democracy in Peru In a democracy, voting gives citizens the power to choose their leaders. However, exercising this power presupposes not only freedom of choice, but also access to information that allows them to know those who intend to hold elected office. This issue takes on particular relevance in the election of the President of the Republic. Political leadership, communication skills, and identification with specific political projects, among other aspects, are elements that can influence the voter. But the role of President also involves complex decisions, coordination of public administration, setting government priorities, and other important responsibilities. How can voters be better informed about the candidates' preparedness, considering a model that doesn't establish filters related to education, training, or experience for those seeking the Presidency? The Peruvian experience offers an interesting case for this reflection. Wide range of candidate opportunities and more informed voters. The Peruvian Constitution does not require a university degree or administrative or professional experience to run for President. The constitutional requirements are being Peruvian by birth, being at least 35 years old, and being in full exercise of one's political rights. The absence of educational and professional experience requirements, on the one hand, allows for ample opportunity for candidates for the position; on the other hand, the Peruvian model seeks to ensure that voters have access to information on these issues, expanding the elements available so that they can assess which candidate they consider most qualified to hold the Presidency. In this regard, Peruvian law stipulates that candidates must submit a Declaración Jurada de Hoja de Vida (Sworn Declaration of Curriculum Vitae) , in a format defined by the JNE-Jurado Nacional de Elecciones (National Elections Jury). Although the name might suggest a professional resume, the aforementioned declaration has a more comprehensive content. It is an official document of the electoral process in which the candidate provides information about their academic background, professional experience, political career, positions held, and other information required by law, including certain court decisions, assets, and income, taking responsibility for the information provided. In turn, the JNE-National Electoral Jury is an autonomous constitutional body that exercises jurisdictional, supervisory, normative, educational, and administrative functions in electoral matters. Among its responsibilities are administering the Electoral Justice system, overseeing the legality of electoral processes, and exercising other powers related to the organization and functioning of the Peruvian electoral system. Therefore, there is an important feature of the model: although education or professional experience are not requirements to run for President , this information is formally presented and made available to voters. From the candidate's statement to the information available to the voter. For the 2026 general elections, the JNE (National Electoral Court) established a single format for this declaration and regulated its registration in the electoral system, its oversight, and the respective sanctioning procedure, as an integral part of the electoral process. Once registered, the declared information is subject to scrutiny by the electoral system. According to the JNE (National Electoral Court), this scrutiny aims to provide transparency to the candidates' declared track record and encourage voter participation in analyzing the information presented. Oversight includes verifying the information declared by candidates. To this end, the electoral system uses computerized resources, information obtained through institutional agreements, and consultations with public and private entities. There are also consequences for certain omissions. In the 2026 elections, for example, candidates must disclose in their life declaration any final convictions for intentional crimes, even if the sentence has already been served. Failure to provide this information may result in the exclusion of the candidacy. The obligation to declare a conviction, however, does not mean that simply providing this information makes the convicted person eligible to run for office: Peruvian law establishes impediments to candidacy for people convicted of intentional crimes with a prison sentence, in addition to specific rules for certain categories of crimes. Convictions already served may, depending on the case and after judicial rehabilitation, cease to constitute an electoral impediment, without eliminating the duty to report them. This stricter consequence, however, does not apply indiscriminately to other information declared by the candidate. Incorrect information about their education or professional experience, for example, does not produce the same consequence. Informed Vote JNE maintains the Informed Vote program on its website, an initiative designed to offer the public official and accessible information about candidates, political parties, proposals, and electoral processes. The information provided by candidates in their Sworn Statements of Curricular Information takes on a new dimension when it reaches voters through the Informed Vote platform, along with other information relevant to the selection process. Although the JNE's Informed Vote program covers different elective offices, this study focuses on its application to the presidential election, considering the responsibilities associated with holding the Presidency of the Republic. During the 2026 general elections, the platform gathered candidates' curriculum information and government plans presented by political organizations. In the case of presidential candidates, voters could consult, in an official environment, information related to the candidates' education, professional experience, political trajectory, and proposals. Compare before choosing In the second round of the 2026 presidential election, held on June 7 and contested by Keiko Fujimori , of the Fuerza Popular party , and Roberto Sánchez , of the Juntos por el Perú party , the Voto Informado program allowed voters to compare the two presidential candidates , gathering information on their resumes, government plans, and summaries of the proposals presented by both parties. This mechanism adds something important to the simple publication of documents. The voter no longer needed to limit their analysis to the information presented separately by each campaign. They now had access to an institutional environment in which different pieces of information could be consulted and compared according to their own criteria. The Informed Vote program did not assign scores to candidates' education or experience, nor did it determine which candidate was best prepared to govern. It organized and made available information to support citizens in this evaluation. Was the information actually accessed? There is one particularly relevant piece of data. Between January and April 2026, the Informed Vote program registered 65,077,571 views . The section dedicated to presidential and vice-presidential candidates alone received 6,096,635 views . The numbers demonstrate that the information made available by the electoral system reached a significant level of consultation during the electoral process, which highlights the voters' interest in having access to more information about the candidates to assist in the selection process, a relevant civic responsibility. The mechanism was not limited to information from the Sworn Statements of Curricular Information . The JNE encouraged citizens to examine government plans, also available on the Informed Vote platform , and provided summaries and systematized information on their contents, facilitating access to and understanding of this information by voters. In the second round of the presidential election, the body also promoted a technical debate with experts from the two competing political parties, allowing the public to learn about, compare, and evaluate their proposals and government plans. This creates a broader set of information: who the candidate is, what their background and experience are, what their trajectory is, and what their political party proposes to accomplish if they come to power. In such a close election, access to comprehensive information about the candidates' background, experience, track record, and proposals becomes even more relevant, as it provides voters with more elements to form their own opinion before voting. The election ended in a very close race. Keiko Fujimori won with 9,223,396 votes, equivalent to 50.135% of the valid votes , while Roberto Sánchez obtained 9,173,755 votes, corresponding to 49.865% . The difference between the two candidates was only 49,641 votes. The narrow margin of votes led Roberto Sánchez's party to contest the results from several polling stations and to file requests for annulment. Upon examining these challenges, the JNE (National Electoral Court) considered that the evidence presented did not prove the alleged irregularities. According to the court, the statistical spreadsheet used as the basis for the challenge showed no indication of manipulation, adulteration, or substitution of results. Some appeals related to specific election records were partially accepted, without, however, altering the election result. The Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) , an international organization of which Peru is a member state and which monitors electoral processes through observation missions, also reported that it had not identified any irregularities in the vote count. The JNE (National Electoral Court) officially proclaimed Keiko Fujimori the president-elect of the Republic of Peru on July 3, 2026. To understand how this result was achieved, it is also important to look at how Peruvian voters register their votes. The Peruvian electoral system uses conventional voting, conducted via physical paper ballots, for almost the entire electorate. In the 2026 General Elections, digital voting was introduced experimentally and in a very limited way, with only about 0.04% of the electorate registered to participate in this modality, while approximately 99.96% of the electorate remained in the universe of voting through physical paper ballots. The 2026 pilot project for digital voting primarily prioritized groups facing difficulties attending polling places, whether due to distance, accessibility issues, or the performance of certain duties on election day itself. Thus, in this first experience, digital voting was adopted as an application quite restricted to specific audiences. High-Tech Society — Analysis In Peru, the absence of minimum requirements for academic training or professional experience for presidential candidacy coexists with a system that requires the submission of curriculum information, subjects some of this information to electoral oversight, and makes it available to the public through official channels. The mechanism, by itself, does not resolve the broader question of what skills are necessary to adequately lead the Executive Branch. Nor does it answer the debate about whether or not democracies should establish minimum requirements related to the education or experience of candidates. That is a different question and one that remains open. The Peruvian experience allows us to observe something more specific: when legislation does not use education and experience as prior eligibility criteria, this information can still be organized, monitored, and made available in an accessible way so that it can be integrated into the evaluation process carried out by voters . In this way, it allows one to move away from a limiting view and towards a broader understanding of the candidates. During a political campaign, a presidential candidate assumes a role that highlights their leadership skills, oratory abilities, and persuasive power with voters. However, once elected, other skills will be necessary to perform the duties of President. Complex executive functions involve capabilities that are not limited to the persuasive power demonstrated during the campaign. Therefore, providing voters with broad access to information about the candidates' education, professional experience, and life trajectory can reduce the risks of making a choice based solely on impressions formed during the electoral process. The Peruvian experience provides voters with a broader base of information before the election, allowing them to better understand those who intend to hold the Presidency and strengthening the decision-making process in choosing between candidates. By expanding the conditions for voters to form their convictions, the mechanism contributes to the strengthening of democracy itself. By Luiz Cincurá Founder and Editor High-TechSociety.com Editorial transparency: This article was produced with the support of ChatGPT during the research and preliminary content organization stages. The definition of the editorial approach, critical analysis, technical review, and final writing were carried out by the Editor, who is ultimately responsible for the published content. Sources: CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF PERÚ. Political Constitution of Peru - Article 110: President of the Republic. OFFICIAL GAZETTE EL PERUANO: Elections 2026: JNE will proclaim tomorrow at midday results of the second race. The OAS rules out irregularities in the scrutiny of the second presidential race. NATIONAL ELECTION JURY: Inspection of the Sworn Declarations of the Life of Candidates. Rules for the Sworn Declaration of Candidate's Life for General Elections 2026 – Resolution No. 167-2025-JNE. JNE published the Regulation for the Life of Candidates for the EG 2026. JNE makes available the digital platform “Informed Vote” with formula data and candidate lists for EG 2026. JNE presents the “Informed Vote” platform with Hojas de Vida de Candidatos and Plans de Gobierno. More than 65 million views were recorded on the JNE Informed Vote platform. JNE proclaims Keiko Fujimori Higuchi as elected president of the Republic. General Minutes of Proclamation of Results of the Second Presidential Election – General Elections 2026. Elections 2026: JNE will proclaim tomorrow at midday results of the second race. JNE declared unfounded request for nullity of votes in 1751 suffrage tables in the country. Pleno del JNE published results of voting on public hearing files.