Alexander Zverev, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff advanced to the third round of the US Open 2026, but each of them paid a heavy price for it — in time, nerves and physical effort. While the favorites of the men's and women's tournaments were dropping out one after another, these three reminded us: at a Grand Slam, victory is often decided not by spectacular shots, but by the ability to endure.
Zverev, seeded number one, has already spent almost ten hours on court over two matches. Against Quentin Halys he again went to five sets and finished the match late at night. The Frenchman led in the score, but the German managed to turn the tide, using experience and physical conditioning. The next opponent — Alejandro Tabilo — promises no relief.
Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, also did not avoid difficulties. Against Katerina Siniakova she lost the second set, but at the decisive moment she pulled herself together and took the match 6:2, 5:7, 6:1. For the Japanese player, who returned after a break, every set won on Arthur Ashe is a step towards restoring her former confidence.
Coco Gauff, the reigning champion of 2023, dealt with Paula Badosa in two sets, but the second ended in a tie-break. The American showed character, fighting back in critical moments. In a tournament where several top players have already been eliminated, her stability looks especially valuable.
These results highlight the main feature of the current US Open: favorites are forced to fight for every step. Zverev's long matches, Osaka's emotional swings and Gauff's tenacity show that in 2026 on the courts of Flushing Meadows, it is not only talent that wins, but also the ability to maintain concentration until the end.
Ahead lie new challenges. For Zverev, this is a chance to finally win a title on the American court that suits him, for Osaka — to confirm her return, and for Gauff — to defend her title. For now, one thing is clear: the third round will be a real test of strength for all three.
