Fritz Collapse and Cobolli Exit Leave US Open Men's Draw Wide Open

Key points

• Taylor Fritz (9th seed) lost to Francisco Cerundolo (24th seed) 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, collapsing after a two-set lead.
• Flavio Cobolli (5th seed) lost to Alexander Blockx (28th seed) 6-7, 6-3, 6-0, 6-3, ending his quest for a first Grand Slam title.
• Six top-10 seeds have been eliminated in the first week, including Novak Djokovic (4th seed) and Felix Auger-Aliassime (3rd seed).
• Alexander Zverev (1st seed) advanced to the last 16, winning against Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets, and may face no top-10 opponents in the remaining rounds.
• Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Alex Michelsen, and Learner Tien remain in the draw, keeping the hope for an American men's singles winner alive.

Background

The 2026 US Open men's draw has been marked by significant upsets in the early rounds. Novak Djokovic, the 4th seed, was eliminated in the first round by Mariano Navone, ending his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title. Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 3rd seed, lost in the second round to Karen Khachanov. These early exits, combined with the recent losses of Fritz and Cobolli, have created a highly unpredictable field. The absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner due to injury and the return of Carlos Alcaraz from a long-term wrist problem have further complicated the landscape, making the tournament more open than in previous years.

How outlets are covering it

BBC Sport emphasized the shock of Fritz's collapse and the broader impact on the American hopes for a Grand Slam winner, noting that Fritz's loss was a significant blow to the US team's chances. The Guardian highlighted the emotional toll on Fritz, describing his defeat as an 'excruciating' loss and noting the pressure on American players to capitalize on the open draw. US Open Tennis focused on Cerundolo's resilience, praising his ability to overcome a two-set deficit and highlighting the competitive nature of the men's tour. The New York Post detailed Fritz's physical and mental breakdown, noting his frustration and the specific moments where he lost control, while also emphasizing the opportunity for other American players to step up. All sources agreed on the significance of the top-10 exits but differed in their emphasis on the emotional and strategic implications for the remaining players.

Why it matters

The elimination of six top-10 seeds in the first week of the 2026 US Open has created a highly unpredictable men's draw, increasing the likelihood of an upset winner. The absence of key players like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, combined with the recent losses of Taylor Fritz and Flavio Cobolli, has opened the field to a wider range of competitors. This shift in the tournament's dynamics not only affects the immediate outcome but also has broader implications for the men's tour, as it highlights the competitive depth and the potential for lower-ranked players to achieve significant results. The continued presence of American players like Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe keeps the hope for a home winner alive, adding to the narrative of the tournament.

What to watch

Alexander Zverev will face Italian 21st seed Luciano Darderi in the last 16, with the potential to reach the final without facing a top-10 opponent. Francisco Cerundolo and Alexander Blockx will meet in the fourth round, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The remaining American players, including Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Alex Michelsen, and Learner Tien, will continue to compete, with the hope of producing an American men's singles winner. The tournament's unpredictable nature means that any player could potentially advance, making the remaining rounds highly competitive and uncertain.