A Historic Women’s Final Four
The 2026 US Open semifinals arrive with a rare and compelling storyline: all four top seeds have advanced in the women’s draw, marking the first time since 1975 that the tournament has produced a perfect 1‑through‑4 semifinal lineup. Thursday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium begins with Aryna Sabalenka facing Jessica Pegula at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Sabalenka enters as a two‑time defending champion and holds a strong head‑to‑head advantage over Pegula, including their memorable 2024 final.
The second semifinal features world No. 1 Elena Rybakina against Coco Gauff at 8:10 p.m. ET. Rybakina arrives with the momentum of her Australian Open title, while Gauff continues a summer surge highlighted by her Cincinnati championship. Their recent Toronto meeting went Rybakina’s way, but Gauff’s form and home‑crowd energy add intrigue. If Pegula and Gauff both advance, New York would see the first all‑American women’s final since Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys in 2017.
A Breakthrough Opportunity for US Men
Friday’s men’s semifinals deliver a different kind of drama. Alexander Zverev opens the day session at 3:00 p.m. ET against Karen Khachanov. Zverev’s straight‑sets win over Botic van de Zandschulp pushed him past Boris Becker for the most Grand Slam match victories by a German player, adding historical weight to his run. Khachanov advanced after Alexander Blockx retired, setting up a contrast between Zverev’s dominant form and Khachanov’s more uneven path.
The night session belongs to the Americans. Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe meet not before 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, giving the US a guaranteed finalist and a legitimate chance to win the men’s title for the first time since Andy Roddick in 2003. Both players bring explosive athleticism and crowd‑friendly charisma, making this one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
How to Watch and Stream
TV coverage is available on ESPN, with the women’s semifinals Thursday night and the men’s semifinals Friday. Streaming is available on ESPN+ for US viewers. Arthur Ashe Stadium evening sessions require separate tickets, and demand is expected to be high given the American storylines.
What’s at Stake
The women’s draw offers a historic collision of top seeds, while the men’s bracket presents a rare chance for an American breakthrough. With championship weekend approaching, New York is set for two nights of high‑pressure tennis that could reshape both tours.
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