Watch US Open Tennis: Men's & Women's Second Round — Day 3 Free.

What's at Stake

As the US Open enters its second round on Day 3, the stakes rise significantly for both seeded favorites and ambitious underdogs aiming for a spot in the round of 32. For the top contenders, these early-round matches are critical for conserving energy and avoiding costly upsets that could derail their championship aspirations. Meanwhile, lower-ranked players view this as a prime opportunity to secure valuable ranking points, significant prize money, and a career-defining victory on the grand stages of Flushing Meadows.

Form Guide

Heading into the second round, the seeded players are looking to build on their opening-match momentum, though several had to battle through grueling multi-set encounters to survive Day 1. Early-season hardcourt success and strong performances during the summer tune-up events have established clear frontrunners, but the transition to the intense heat and pressure of New York always tests physical conditioning. Those who managed quick, straight-sets victories in the first round hold a distinct physical advantage heading into this stage of the tournament.

Key Players to Watch

• The Defending Men's Champion — looking to maintain dominant form on the hard courts and assert authority early in the tournament.
• The Women's World Number One — aiming to navigate a tricky second-round matchup and showcase the tactical consistency that secured her top seeding.
• The Home-Crowd Favorite — riding the wave of local support to pull off an upset against a higher-ranked opponent on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Prediction

Expect the majority of the top-ten seeds to advance, though not without facing stiff resistance as the court speed and humidity level the playing field. At least one major upset is highly likely on the women's side, where deep draws often produce unpredictable second-round battles. Ultimately, the elite contenders with superior physical conditioning and Grand Slam experience will prevail in four sets on the men's side and straight sets on the women's side to secure their third-round berths.