TennisUS Open 2026: Djokovic shock opens day two with Alcaraz and Sabalenka entering the fray

US Open 2026: Djokovic shock opens day two with Alcaraz and Sabalenka entering the fray

Core answer: Djokovic suffered his first Grand Slam first-round exit since 2006 at US Open 2026, while Sabalenka and Alcaraz begin their campaigns on Day 2. Key facts: - Djokovic's first first-round Slam loss in 20 years. - Sabalenka faces Osorio (ranked 59). - Alcaraz faces Safiullin (ranked 99). - All matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Source: The Guardian, Aug 31 2026. Related Q&A: Q: What caused Djokovic's early exit? A: The article describes him as 'ailing', indicating physical issues. Q: Are Sabalenka and Alcaraz expected to win? A: Yes, based on rankings and style analysis, they are heavy favorites.

The US Open 2026 kicked off with a seismic shock: Novak Djokovic, the 39-year-old legend, suffered his first Grand Slam first-round exit since 2026. Described as 'ailing' by The Guardian, Djokovic's physical decline was evident as he lost to a lower-ranked opponent. This opens the door for a new generation. Day two features world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz against Roman Safiullin (ranked 99) and top seed Aryna Sabalenka against Camila Osorio (ranked 59). Both are heavy favorites due to their superior playing styles and surface suitability. Alcaraz's all-court game and Sabalenka's power baseline are expected to dominate. The tournament now has a wide-open draw, with Alcaraz as the leading contender. Key matches air early morning in Vietnam.