Is Alexandra Eala The Favourite For The Title? WTA Singapore Open Draw Preview & Predictions

Alexandra Eala vs Joanna Garland — full preview, head-to-head breakdown and prediction for their QUARTERFINAL at the 2026 ASIAN GAMES in Aichi-Nagoya. The top seed goes for a medal, and a bounce-back after Singapore.Alex Eala is the TOP SEED here and she has started exactly as she needed to. Days after a chastening second-round exit at the Singapore Open — beaten 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 by World No. 180 Tatiana Prozorova after leading by a set and 4-2 — the World No. 18 answered emphatically, routing Thailand's Patcharin Cheapchandej 6-1, 6-0 in just 55 MINUTES at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center.She arrives carrying the summer that changed Philippine tennis: the FIRST WTA SINGLES TITLE ever won by a player from the Philippines at the DC Open in Washington, a Toronto round of 16, and a US Open third round as the highest-seeded Filipina in Grand Slam history. A gold medal here would be another first — and the stakes at a Games go beyond ranking points.Joanna Garland is not a soft quarterfinal. Chinese Taipei's leading player, the 25-year-old has been ruthless in Nagoya: a 6-0, 6-0 DOUBLE BAGEL over Mongolia's Martaa Chogsomjav in the first round, then a 6-1, 6-1 win over Mandegar Farzami. That's THREE GAMES DROPPED IN TWO MATCHES. She is ranked outside the world's top 140, but she is playing with total freedom and has had an easier physical passage than most.They have never played. Eala is the clear favourite on ranking and pedigree — but Singapore was a reminder that the gap closes fast when a lower-ranked opponent arrives sharp and believing.🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- Whether the Singapore loss lingers- What Garland's dominant run actually tells us- How Eala handles being the overwhelming favourite- Prediction, scoreline, and the road to a medal📊 MATCH INFOEvent: 2026 Asian Games — Women's Singles Tennis, Aichi-NagoyaRound: QuarterfinalPlayers: Alexandra Eala (PHI, No. 18, top seed) vs Joanna Garland (TPE)Head-to-head: First meetingDate: Wednesday, September 30, 2026Surface: HardVenue: Higashiyama Park Tennis Center, Nagoya💬 Does Alex medal here? Predicted scoreline in the comments.👍 Like if you're backing Alex for gold🔔 SUBSCRIBE for full Asian Games tennis coverage- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Predictions are opinion only and not betting advice. Not affiliated with the Asian Games, the OCA or the WTA.#AlexEala #AsianGames #Tennis

Alexandra Eala is out of the Singapore Tennis Open. The No. 3 seed was beaten 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 by World No. 180 Tatiana Prozorova in a three-hour-nine-minute marathon — and she led by a set and 4-2 in the second. Full post-match analysis of what went wrong.The position Eala was in makes this one sting. She took the opening set 6-4 and broke for 4-2 in the second, a game away from a routine win and a quarterfinal. From there Prozorova took FIVE OF THE NEXT SIX GAMES to force a decider, and then pulled away in the third.For Prozorova it is the win of her career. The 22-year-old Russian had just THREE WTA TOUR-LEVEL WINS to her name before this week in Singapore, and this is her FIRST EVER TOP 20 VICTORY. She had already come through a three-setter against Sofia Costoulas 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-2 in the previous round, so she arrived with court time and clearly with belief.For Eala it is a genuinely disappointing exit. Seeded third, with a first-round bye, withdrawals opening up her section, and a projected route through Vekic and Anisimova, this was the friendliest draw she has had at this level — a real chance at a second career WTA title after her historic first in Washington. Entering cold off a bye against an opponent already sharp from a three-set win is exactly the trap we flagged in the preview, and it played out.In this video: where the second set turned, the serving and break-point numbers, whether the bye and the Asian swing scheduling were factors, how much of this was Prozorova playing above herself versus Eala's own level, and what it means for her ranking heading into the rest of the swing.🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- Full breakdown of a three-hour upset- The exact passage of play that decided it- An honest assessment of Eala's level right now- Where she goes from here in the Asian swing📊 MATCH INFOTournament: 2026 Singapore Tennis Open presented by BNP Paribas (WTA 500)Round: Second Round / Round of 16 — SinglesResult: Tatiana Prozorova def. Alexandra Eala (3rd seed) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3Duration: 3 hours, 9 minutesNotable: Prozorova's first career Top 20 win; she had three tour-level wins before this weekVenue: Singapore💬 What did you make of it? Comments below.👍 Like if you're following Alex through the Asian swing🔔 SUBSCRIBE for full Asian swing coverage- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Not affiliated with the WTA or the Singapore Tennis Open.#AlexEala #WTA #Tennis

Alexandra Eala vs Tatiana Prozorova — full preview, head-to-head breakdown and prediction for their SECOND ROUND / ROUND OF 16 match at the 2026 Singapore Tennis Open, a WTA 500 at The Kallang. The No. 3 seed begins her campaign.Alex Eala opens here as the No. 3 SEED after a first-round bye, and she arrives at World No. 18 off the season that changed everything: the FIRST WTA SINGLES TITLE ever won by a player from the Philippines at the DC Open in Washington — beating Qinwen Zheng, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in a single week — then a Toronto round of 16 and a US Open third round as the highest-seeded Filipina in Grand Slam history. Withdrawals near the top of this draw have only improved her path to a possible second career title.Tatiana Prozorova has earned this. The 22-year-old Russian, ranked around World No. 180, came through a genuinely hard opener, surviving Sofia Costoulas 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-2 across three sets on Tuesday. She is 17-9 on hard courts in 2026 and she has already shown this week that she will not go away quietly.On paper this is a mismatch — roughly 160 ranking places separate them, and they have never played on tour. But Eala is entering cold off a bye against an opponent who already has a three-set win and court time in Singapore, and first matches at a new event have a habit of being awkward. That's the one thing to watch.The winner faces Xinyu Wang or Joanna Garland in the quarterfinals, with Donna Vekic and a possible semifinal against Amanda Anisimova further up the road.🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- Why a first-round bye isn't always an advantage- What Prozorova showed in her opener- Eala's realistic route to a second WTA title- Prediction and predicted scoreline📊 MATCH INFOTournament: 2026 Singapore Tennis Open presented by BNP Paribas (WTA 500)Round: Second Round / Round of 16 — SinglesPlayers: Alexandra Eala (PHI, No. 18, 3rd seed) vs Tatiana ProzorovaHead-to-head: First meetingDate: Thursday, September 24, 2026Surface: HardVenue: The Kallang, Singapore💬 Can Alex go all the way here? Predicted scoreline in the comments.👍 Like if you're following the Asian swing with us🔔 SUBSCRIBE for daily Singapore Open coverage- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Predictions are opinion only and not betting advice. Not affiliated with the WTA or the Singapore Tennis Open.#AlexEala #WTA #Tennis

Alexandra Eala is the No. 3 seed at the 2026 SINGAPORE TENNIS OPEN and she has been handed one of the friendliest draws of her career. Full draw preview, section-by-section breakdown and predictions for the WTA 500 in Singapore, September 21-27.Eala arrives at World No. 18 off the season that transformed her career — the FIRST WTA SINGLES TITLE ever won by a player from the Philippines at the DC Open in Washington, where she beat Qinwen Zheng, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in a single week, followed by a round of 16 in Toronto and a third round at the US Open as the highest-seeded Filipina in Grand Slam history.And the draw has been kind. Seeded third, she receives a FIRST-ROUND BYE into the second round, where she will meet either Sofia Costoulas or Tatiana Prozorova — both ranked more than 130 places below her. From there the projected path is Olympic silver medallist Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals, two-time Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals, and top seed and reigning ROLAND-GARROS CHAMPION Mirra Andreeva in the final.So is she the favourite? On paper, no — Andreeva and Anisimova are both ranked above her. But this is a 28-player WTA 500 field, Eala has the softer opening, and on current form she has beaten more top-20 players this summer than almost anyone in the draw. I break down exactly where the danger sits.Also in the draw: No. 4 seed Elise Mertens, No. 5 Maja Chwalinska, wild card and No. 6 seed Leylah Fernandez, No. 7 Maria Sakkari and No. 8 Donna Vekic — with the tournament newly upgraded to WTA 500 status and moved from February to September, opening real ranking points for everyone in the Asian swing.🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- Full section-by-section draw breakdown- Eala's realistic path to a second WTA title- Where the genuine danger is in her half- Predictions through to the final📊 TOURNAMENT INFOEvent: 2026 Singapore Tennis Open presented by BNP Paribas (WTA 500)Dates: September 21-27, 2026Draw: 28 players, singlesSurface: HardSeeds: 1 Mirra Andreeva · 2 Amanda Anisimova · 3 Alexandra Eala · 4 Elise Mertens · 5 Maja Chwalinska · 6 Leylah Fernandez (WC) · 7 Maria Sakkari · 8 Donna VekicEala's opener: second round vs Sofia Costoulas or Tatiana Prozorova💬 Can Alex win a second title? Predictions in the comments.👍 Like if you're following the Asian swing with us🔔 SUBSCRIBE for daily Singapore Open coverage- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Predictions are opinion only and not betting advice. Not affiliated with the WTA or the Singapore Tennis Open.#AlexEala #WTA #Tennis

A full review of the 2026 US Open with one of the most respected voices in the sport: STEVE FLINK, International Tennis Hall of Famer and author of "The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time" and "The Immortals of American Tennis."Steve has been covering this tournament since the early 1970s, when Bud Collins hired him to do research at Wimbledon and the US Open. He spent 17 years at World Tennis magazine and 15 more as senior writer at Tennis Week. There are very few people alive who can place a fortnight like this one in its proper historical context — so that's exactly what we did.WHAT WE COVERAlexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 for his SECOND Grand Slam title — six years after leading Dominic Thiem by two sets in the 2020 final on this same court and losing. It caps a season with a maiden major at Roland-Garros, the Wimbledon final, and semifinals at all four Slams.Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 for her THIRD major and first US Open, denying the two-time defending champion a three-peat that would have made her the first woman to do it since SERENA WILLIAMS in 2012-14. Rybakina has now beaten Sabalenka in both 2026 Grand Slam finals and moves to World No. 1.And the American question Steve has written a book about. Ben Shelton became the first American man in a Grand Slam final since ANDY RODDICK IN 2003, the first Black American man in a US Open final since ARTHUR ASHE IN 1972, and the first in any major final since MaliVai Washington at Wimbledon in 1996 — and the drought now stretches to 23 years. We asked Steve where Shelton fits in that lineage, and what it will actually take.We also get into Shelton's 3:33 A.M. win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz — the latest finish in US Open history — and where it ranks among great US Open matches; Novak Djokovic's first-round exit to Mariano Navone, his first opening-round Grand Slam loss in twenty years; Zheng Qinwen's run from qualifying to the quarterfinals; and what Jannik Sinner's absence meant for the draw.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro – US Open 2026 review with Steve Flink00:40 Rybakina's US Open title run – injury doubts to champion07:50 Rybakina becomes World No. 1 – handling the pressure10:25 Rybakina vs Sabalenka final – the best servers in women's tennis13:00 Rybakina's net play, movement & improved tennis IQ17:00 Sabalenka's Grand Slam final record – what's next?20:10 Coco Gauff – serve improvements & semifinal run22:45 Jessica Pegula – is time running out for a first Slam?27:20 Linda Noskova – backing up Wimbledon vs Sabalenka28:35 Naomi Osaka's comeback – the 5-0 turnarounds31:10 Alexander Zverev wins the US Open – two Slams in 202633:10 Has Zverev's level improved, or was it the draw?41:35 Ben Shelton – beating Alcaraz, Tiafoe & first Slam final50:40 Novak Djokovic's first-round loss – is time catching up?57:10 Carlos Alcaraz's comeback after 4.5 months out61:05 Final thoughts & wrap-up- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Not affiliated with the USTA, the ATP, the WTA or the US Open.#USOpen #Tennis #SteveFlink

The 2026 US Open is done. Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina are the champions — and I'm joined by Christian from CHRISTIAN'S COURT for a full tournament review covering everything that happened over an extraordinary fortnight in New York.THE CHAMPIONSAlexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 for his SECOND Grand Slam title, six years after leading Dominic Thiem by two sets in the 2020 final here and losing. It caps his best season: a maiden major at Roland-Garros, the Wimbledon final, and at least the semifinals at all four Slams in 2026.Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 for her THIRD major and first US Open, denying the two-time defending champion a three-peat that would have made her the first woman to do it since Serena Williams in 2012-14. Rybakina has now beaten Sabalenka in BOTH 2026 Grand Slam finals, and takes over as World No. 1.ALCARAZThe defending champion returned from a four-month layoff after a wrist injury at the Barcelona Open and looked to be building beautifully — until Ben Shelton dethroned him 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a quarterfinal that finished at 3:33 A.M., the latest finish in US Open history, ending an 18-match Grand Slam winning streak.SABALENKATwo-time defending champion, World No. 1 coming in, sixth straight US Open semifinal — and it ends with the three-peat denied and the top ranking gone. Where does she go from here?We also cover Zheng Qinwen's run from qualifying to the quarterfinals, Novak Djokovic's first-round exit, Shelton and Tiafoe's all-American semifinal, and what the rest of the season looks like.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro ft. Christian's Court1:00 Pre-Tournament Predictions vs Reality1:30 Rybakina Wins US Open 2026 Despite Injury6:00 Sabalenka Final Loss & No.1 Pressure11:00 Creator Credentials & Press Access Behind the Scenes13:40 Coco Gauff's Run & Improved Serve18:50 Can Jessica Pegula Still Win a Slam?23:25 Alex Eala vs Iva Jovic: Match of the Tournament?27:20 Linda Noskova's Big Run28:40 Zheng Qinwen: Qualifying to Quarterfinals Comeback31:50 Zverev Wins US Open: Second Slam of 202635:45 Ben Shelton Final & Serve Tactics Debate40:20 Shelton Beats Alcaraz in 3:33am Epic43:30 Djokovic Shock Loss & His Future50:40 Rafa & Novak Documentaries51:20 Khachanov's Semifinal Run53:20 Zverev Ball Bounce Controversy55:30 Should Tennis Change Its Scoring Rules?59:10 Blockx, Michelsen & Tiafoe01:01:10 Christian's US Open Experience & Naomi Osaka Cookout01:04:20 Outro🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- Full 2026 US Open review, men's and women's- Honest assessments of Alcaraz, Sabalenka and Eala- The stories that defined the fortnight- What happens next for the rest of the season💬 Who was your player of the tournament? Comments below.👍 Like if you followed the whole fortnight with us🔔 SUBSCRIBE for full Asian swing coverage- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Not affiliated with the USTA, the ATP, the WTA or the US Open.#USOpen #Zverev #Rybakina

I picked Ben Shelton. I was wrong. Alexander Zverev beat him 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US OPEN — his second Grand Slam title, and another year where American men's wait goes on. Full post-match analysis and an honest look at what I got wrong.Zverev was ruthless from the start. He took the opening set 6-3, then won the tiebreak 7-2 to move two sets clear, and even when Shelton found a way back to take the third 7-5 on Arthur Ashe with the crowd roaring, the German simply reset and closed it out 6-2. It's the completion of a redemption arc six years in the making: Zverev was a US Open finalist in 2020, when he led Dominic Thiem by two sets and lost.It caps the best season of his career. He broke through at ROLAND-GARROS this year for his first major, reached the WIMBLEDON FINAL, and made at least the semifinals at ALL FOUR Grand Slams in 2026. He was elevated to top seed here after Jannik Sinner withdrew with a knee injury, and he justified it without ever really being troubled.For Ben Shelton, it's the end of an extraordinary fortnight that still ends in heartbreak. He dethroned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a five-set classic that finished at 3:33 A.M. — the latest finish in US Open history — then beat Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal to become the first American man in a Grand Slam final since ANDY RODDICK IN 2003, and the first Black American man in a US Open final since ARTHUR ASHE IN 1972. The drought he was trying to end now stretches to 23 YEARS.And the head-to-head held: Zverev is now 6-0 against Shelton, having taken 13 of the 15 sets they have played. That was the thing I underweighted in my prediction, and I explain exactly why in this video.In this video: set-by-set breakdown, the tiebreak that decided it, where Shelton's third-set revival came from and why it didn't hold, what I got wrong in my preview, and what comes next for both players.🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- Full set-by-set breakdown of the 2026 US Open final- An honest post-mortem on my prediction- Why Zverev has now beaten Shelton six times out of six- Where both players go from here📊 MATCH INFOTournament: 2026 US Open (Grand Slam)Round: FINAL — Men's SinglesResult: Alexander Zverev def. Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2Significance: Zverev's second Grand Slam title, after Roland-Garros 2026; American men's Grand Slam drought extends to 23 years since Andy Roddick in 2003Head-to-head: Zverev now leads 6-0Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, New York💬 Did you pick Shelton too? Comments below.👍 Like if you followed the whole fortnight with us🔔 SUBSCRIBE for full post-US Open and Asian swing coverage- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Not affiliated with the USTA, the ATP or the US Open.#Zverev #BenShelton #USOpen

Elena Rybakina has beaten Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US OPEN — denying the two-time defending champion a place in history and claiming her first title at Flushing Meadows. Full post-match analysis and reaction.Sabalenka was chasing a THREE-PEAT. A third consecutive US Open title would have made her the first woman to do it since SERENA WILLIAMS in 2012-14, and would have brought a fifth career major and a 20th straight win at this tournament. She had survived Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7) in the quarterfinals and dismantled Jessica Pegula in the semifinal to get here.Rybakina had taken the hardest route in the draw and kept finding answers. She overpowered Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4, ended qualifier Zheng Qinwen's extraordinary run 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, then came from a set down to beat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals. In the final she did it again — taking the opener, losing a tight second as Sabalenka forced her way back, and then running away with the decider 6-2.It's her THIRD major title and her FIRST US Open. And it continues a pattern that is becoming the defining rivalry in women's tennis: Rybakina has now beaten Sabalenka in BOTH 2026 GRAND SLAM FINALS they have contested, after winning the Australian Open final in January, and also took the 2025 WTA Finals title match against her. Sabalenka's answer this season was the Sunshine Double, beating Rybakina in both the Indian Wells and Miami finals. Sabalenka still leads the overall head-to-head, but Rybakina now leads their Grand Slam finals 2-1.On the rankings: Rybakina moves to World No. 1 on Monday with Sabalenka dropping to No. 2 — but that was already mathematically confirmed before this match was played. The title doesn't change the ranking. It does mean she arrives at No. 1 as the reigning Australian Open AND US Open champion.In this video: how the match was won set by set, where the second set slipped and how Rybakina reset, the serving and return numbers that decided it, what it means for Sabalenka, and where this rivalry stands going into the rest of the season.🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- Full set-by-set breakdown of the 2026 US Open final- Why Rybakina has now won three of their biggest matches- Whether Sabalenka's New York era is genuinely over- Where this rivalry goes from here📊 MATCH INFOTournament: 2026 US Open (Grand Slam)Round: FINAL — Women's SinglesResult: Elena Rybakina def. Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2Significance: Rybakina's 3rd major and 1st US Open; ends Sabalenka's bid to become the first woman to win three straight US Open titles since Serena Williams (2012-14)Grand Slam finals between them: Rybakina leads 2-1Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, New York💬 Is this the best rivalry in women's tennis right now? Comments below.👍 Like if you followed the whole fortnight with us🔔 SUBSCRIBE for full post-US Open and Asian swing coverage- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Not affiliated with the USTA, the WTA or the US Open.#Rybakina #Sabalenka #USOpen

Alexander Zverev vs Ben Shelton — full preview, head-to-head breakdown and prediction for the 2026 US OPEN FINAL on Arthur Ashe Stadium. An American man is one match from ending a 23-year wait, against an opponent who has never lost to him.Ben Shelton is the story of the tournament. The eighth seed reached his FIRST GRAND SLAM FINAL by beating Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in an all-American semifinal — and he got there the hardest way imaginable, dethroning defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7) in a five-set classic that finished at 3:33 A.M., the latest finish in US Open history. He is the FIRST AMERICAN MAN IN A GRAND SLAM FINAL SINCE ANDY RODDICK IN 2003, the first Black American man in a US Open final since ARTHUR ASHE IN 1972, and the first in any major final since MaliVai Washington at Wimbledon in 1996. He's had a career-best season: four titles in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal, and a 39-13 record.Alexander Zverev has finally become the player everyone expected. The top seed broke through at ROLAND-GARROS this year for his first major, then reached the WIMBLEDON FINAL, and has now made at least the semifinals at ALL FOUR Grand Slams in 2026. This is his SIXTH major final and his third in a row. He beat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) to get here, and he was a US Open finalist back in 2020, when he led Dominic Thiem by two sets and lost.And here's the brutal part for American hopes: ZVEREV IS 5-0 AGAINST SHELTON. Four of those five wins came in straight sets, and he has taken 10 of the 11 sets they've played — Shelton's only set came in their very first meeting in Cincinnati. They have never met at a Grand Slam.Pedigree against momentum. Experience against a crowd that will be deafening. Who wins the last major of 2026?🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- Exactly how Zverev has beaten Shelton five times- What Shelton has added this season that could flip it- Whether the crowd genuinely moves a Grand Slam final- Prediction and predicted scoreline📊 MATCH INFOTournament: 2026 US Open (Grand Slam)Round: FINAL — Men's SinglesPlayers: Alexander Zverev (GER, 1st seed, French Open champion) vs Ben Shelton (USA, 8th seed)Head-to-head: Zverev leads 5-0 — first ever meeting at a Grand SlamDate: Sunday, September 13, 2026Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, New YorkAt stake: First American men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick (2003); Zverev's second major💬 Who lifts the trophy? Predicted scoreline in the comments.👍 Like if you've followed the whole fortnight with us🔔 SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications for full post-final reaction- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Predictions are opinion only and not betting advice. Not affiliated with the USTA, the ATP or the US Open.#BenShelton #Zverev #USOpen

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina — full preview, head-to-head breakdown and prediction for the 2026 US OPEN FINAL on Arthur Ashe Stadium. A rematch of the Australian Open final, a piece of Serena Williams history on the line, and a No. 1 ranking that has already changed hands.Aryna Sabalenka is chasing something nobody has done in over a decade. The two-time defending champion is bidding to become the FIRST WOMAN TO WIN THREE STRAIGHT US OPEN TITLES SINCE SERENA WILLIAMS in 2012-14. Victory would give her a FIFTH career major and a 20TH CONSECUTIVE WIN at this tournament. She survived Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7) in the quarterfinals, then demolished Jessica Pegula in the semifinal to get here.Elena Rybakina is already the new World No. 1 — she takes over the top ranking on Monday regardless of what happens on Saturday, with Sabalenka dropping to No. 2. The reigning Australian Open champion has taken the hard road all fortnight: past Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4, past qualifier Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, and then a comeback win over Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals. A second major of 2026 is one match away.The rivalry is one of the best in the sport. Sabalenka leads 10-7 overall, but the biggest matches have gone Rybakina's way lately — she won the 2025 WTA FINALS title match AND the 2026 AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINAL, both against Sabalenka. Sabalenka answered by beating her in the Indian Wells AND Miami finals to sweep the Sunshine Double.This is their THIRD Grand Slam final against each other, and they have split the first two. Power against power, the best two hard-court players in the world, for the last major of the season.🎾 IN THIS VIDEO- How Rybakina won the Australian Open final and whether it repeats- How Sabalenka answered at Indian Wells and Miami- What 19 straight US Open wins tells us about Sabalenka in New York- Prediction and predicted scoreline for the final📊 MATCH INFOTournament: 2026 US Open (Grand Slam)Round: FINAL — Women's SinglesPlayers: Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1 seed, two-time defending champion) vs Elena Rybakina (No. 2 seed, incoming World No. 1)Head-to-head: Sabalenka leads 10-7 — Grand Slam finals split 1-1Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 — 4:00 PM ETVenue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, New YorkAt stake: First US Open three-peat since Serena Williams (2012-14); Rybakina's second major of 2026💬 Who lifts the trophy? Predicted scoreline in the comments.👍 Like if you've followed the whole fortnight with us🔔 SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications for full post-final reaction- Mantis 10%: https://mantissport.com/qualityshot10 (At Checkout)- IM8 10% OFF: https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2077 (Code QST10 at Checkout)- Acemate: https://www.acematetennis.com?sca_ref=11586466.udoQ3GLV6m55xoG1&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission&utm_content=affiliate-QualityShot-Tennis---Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use and no copyright infringement is intended. No match footage is shown in these videos.⚠️ Independent tennis analysis and commentary. Predictions are opinion only and not betting advice. Not affiliated with the USTA, the WTA or the US Open.#Sabalenka #Rybakina #USOpen