Day 6 of the 2026 U.S. Open sees World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruising into the Round of 16, while Jessica Pegula fights to recover from an early setback against Leylah Fernandez.

  • World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot in the Round of 16 with a straight-sets win over Kamilla Rakhimova.
  • Jessica Pegula is fighting to recover after losing the opening set to Leylah Fernandez.
  • Marta Kostyuk dominated her match to advance to the Round of 16.
  • Serena and Venus Williams are set to return for women's doubles action tonight.

The action at Flushing Meadows has intensified as the U.S. Open 2026 enters Day 6. The third round is delivering a mix of dominant displays from the top seeds and unexpected tension in the high-stakes matchups at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Sabalenka’s Dominance Uninterrupted

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continues her relentless march toward a potential three-peat. She dispatched Kamilla Rakhimova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, showcasing the power that has become her trademark. Sabalenka has yet to drop a single set this tournament, maintaining a clinical level of play characterized by blistering serves reaching up to 117 mph.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Sabalenka's ability to maintain high-intensity service games without dropping sets puts immense psychological pressure on her upcoming opponents in the Round of 16.

Sabalenka is playing with a level of precision and power that makes her the undisputed player to beat this season.

Pegula vs. Fernandez: A Tactical Battle

In one of the most anticipated matches of the day, 3rd seed Jessica Pegula found herself on the ropes early on. Canadian Leylah Fernandez (31) stunned the crowd by taking the first set 6-1 in just 31 minutes. However, the American veteran showed resilience in the second set, finally securing a crucial break to keep her championship hopes alive.

Historical Context

The U.S. Open has a rich history of underdog stories. Players like Fernandez often thrive in the high-energy atmosphere of New York, making matches against top seeds like Pegula unpredictable and tactically complex.

Did You Know?: Aryna Sabalenka recorded four aces in her victory against Rakhimova, underscoring her serving prowess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will Carlos Alcaraz play?
A: Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to compete during the day session, following the current matches.

Q2: Are the Williams sisters playing?
A: Yes, Serena and Venus Williams are scheduled to begin their women's doubles campaign under the lights tonight.