Watch US Open — Day 3 Second Round Free.

What's at Stake

Day 3 of the US Open marks the beginning of the second round, where the margin for error shrinks dramatically and the pressure intensifies. For the seeded favorites, these matchups are critical to conserving energy and avoiding costly early upsets that could derail their championship aspirations. Meanwhile, lower-ranked competitors and qualifiers view this as a prime opportunity to secure valuable ranking points, significant prize money, and a career-defining breakthrough on the grandest stage in New York.

Form Guide

Entering the second round, the field presents a mix of sharp momentum and survival instincts. Several top contenders eased through their opening matches in straight sets, carrying over the strong hard-court form displayed during the summer Masters events. Conversely, a number of players had to battle through grueling four- and five-set thrillers on Day 1, meaning physical recovery and endurance will play a pivotal role in their ability to sustain high-level performance in this round.

Key Players to Watch

• Carlos Alcaraz — The Spanish superstar looks to showcase his explosive court coverage and variety to dictate play and secure a quick, efficient victory.
• Coco Gauff — The American favorite relies on her elite defensive skills and home-crowd support to neutralize aggressive opponents on the fast hard courts.
• Jannik Sinner — The Italian's relentless baseline power and precise serving make him a formidable force as he aims to dominate the early rounds.

Prediction

Expect the top-seeded players to assert their dominance early, with the majority securing straight-sets victories as they adjust to the tournament rhythm. However, the physical toll of the opening round will likely lead to at least two major seeded upsets in grueling four-set battles on the outer courts. Ultimately, the elite contenders with superior hard-court pedigree will comfortably book their spots in the third round.