Elena Rybakina accepting her trophy for the women's singles at the 2026 US Open Getty Images
The US Open
BY NAYSA MITTAL
SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
The 2026 U.S. Open has officially ended September 13th, the tournament bringing weeks of tense matches, tennis drama, and everything in between.
One of the biggest stories during the competition has been surrounding Coco Gauff, who reached the semifinals, where she faced World no. 1 Elena Rybakina, who has continued her impressive run by defeating two-time U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka. Although Gauff lost the match, the American player continues to inspire young tennis players around the country. Regarding Gauff, Senior Grace Shin, member of the EBHS Varsity Tennis Team, said, “I love the way she plays. I even watch her games to get inspiration for some of my own matches.”
However, Gauff’s impressive gameplay has been overshadowed in the media by her recent comments about influencers at the US Open. Gauff was asked for her opinion about the influx of influencers at the US Open this year, after a group of content creators disrupted Naomi Osaka’s and Anastasa Zakhrova’s match, causing the chair umpire to interrupt the match. Although Gauff acknowledged the role influencers play in promoting the tournament, she urged them, and the rest of the attendees to follow tennis etiquette.
The men’s draw has likewise had their share of dramatic moments during this year’s tournament. Alexander Zverev defeated Luciano Darderi, while Karen Khachanov eliminated American Learner Tien in five sets. However, the most intense match came between Botic van de Zandschulp and Arthur Gea, which lasted five hours and 13 minutes, making it the longest match of the tournament and the fourth-longest match in all of US Open history. “That match was so crazy to watch. The players were both playing really well and it was an amazing game”, said Junior Prisha Patel.
The finals brought even higher stakes as Alena Sabalenka faced Rybakina, with Rybakina ultimately defending her title as World no. 1 in women’s singles. On the men’s side, Alexander Zverev went against Ben Shelton, with the German player winning the men’s singles tournament. Throughout the past weeks, dozens of players from around the world lamented their spot in tennis history.
