Main draw play gets underway at the US Open, with Jessica Pegula playing early

PUBLISHED Aug 30, 2026, 12:47 PM ET

The U.S. Open began its 2026 main draw Sunday in New York, with Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Daniil Medvedev and seeded players opening their campaigns. Pegula, the No. 3 seed, was scheduled to play Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse at noon on Arthur Ashe Stadium, followed by Medvedev against Hugo Gaston. Paolini, seeded 19th, opened against Veronika Erjavec at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Four-time champion Novak Djokovic was scheduled for Sunday night against Argentina’s Mariano Navone as he pursues a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title. Djokovic entered after an early Cincinnati Open loss earlier this month. Venus Williams was scheduled to close Ashe against fellow American Sofia Kenin. Venus and Serena Williams are also entered together in doubles. The tournament runs through Sept. 13 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The WTA schedule confirms the event is underway, while Reuters reported a record $108 million purse for this year’s tournament.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

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