TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Carlos Alcaraz described Jannik Sinner's absence from the 2026 US Open as a "weird situation" as the defending champion prepares to compete at Flushing Meadows without the world's No. 1 player.
Sinner's withdrawal marks the first time this century that the men's world No. 1 has been absent from the US Open. The last time the top-ranked men's player missed the tournament was in 1999, when Pete Sampras withdrew because of a back injury.
According to the US Open website, Sinner's absence has opened up the men's draw, leaving several leading contenders with an opportunity to challenge for the title.
Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed and defending champion, acknowledged the unusual circumstances ahead of the tournament.
"We are not gonna see each other for, like, six months now, seven months. So it's kind of [a] weird situation, to be honest," Alcaraz said.
Alexander Zverev enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed for the first time at a Grand Slam but played down the significance of being the top seed.
"I feel like I'm one of the 128 players that are favorites in the draw," Zverev said, adding that what ultimately matters is "whose name is at the end of the draw" after two weeks of competition.
Ben Shelton, the No. 8 seed, also cautioned against viewing Sinner's absence as an automatic opportunity for the remaining players.
"I think it would be disrespectful to just think, 'oh, there's no Sinner, it's a massive opportunity,' when you have guys who've won Slams this year," Shelton said.
Frances Tiafoe, the No. 11 seed, similarly emphasized the challenge that remains despite Sinner's withdrawal.
"Still gotta beat seven guys, however way you slice it," Tiafoe said.
Daniil Medvedev, the No. 7 seed and 2021 US Open champion, said the draw was more open but remained focused on progressing through the tournament rather than looking too far ahead.
"So of course the draw is more open than before but, again, there are still some guys that go deep every tournament," Medvedev said.
Pegula Opens US Open Campaign With Straight-Sets Win
Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula made a strong start to her 2026 US Open campaign, defeating Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 in the first round at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The third-seeded American needed one hour and 23 minutes to secure the victory, producing 26 winners against 14 unforced errors.
According to the US Open website, Pegula created 17 break-point opportunities and converted four of them while maintaining control throughout the match.
Pegula, a native of New York State, entered her 10th US Open main draw after a strong North American summer that included runner-up finishes in Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati.
The 32-year-old has also reached five finals this season, the most on the WTA Tour, while winning titles in Dubai and Charleston.
Pegula said she felt nervous before the match but was pleased with how she handled Ruse, who is ranked 63rd in the world.
"I felt really nervous before I went out there," Pegula said, adding that she was relieved to have progressed despite facing a quality opponent.
The victory set up a potential all-American second-round meeting with either Venus Williams or Sofia Kenin.
Pegula has previously faced Kenin six times, winning four, including the 2025 Charleston final and the second round of the 2024 US Open.
Boulter, Medvedev Advance as Norrie Exits
As reported by The Guardian, Britain's Katie Boulter also advanced to the second round after overcoming Carol Young Suh Lee 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.
Boulter raised her intensity in the deciding set, using an aggressive approach to pull away from Lee and complete the victory.
Medvedev also progressed on the opening day, while fellow British player Cameron Norrie was eliminated.
The results added to an eventful opening day at Flushing Meadows, with the men's draw attracting particular attention because of Sinner's absence and the opportunity it presents to the leading contenders.
With the world's No. 1 player watching from the sidelines, Alcaraz, Zverev, Medvedev, Shelton and Tiafoe are among those attempting to seize the opportunity, while Pegula has made a confident start to her bid for a maiden US Open title.
Read: Zohran Mamdani Offers 1,000 US Open Tickets to New Yorkers for $100 Each
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