U.S. Open Day Eight Highlights and Match Updates

Round of 16 at the U.S. Open

The 2026 U.S. Open continues with intense Round of 16 matches at Flushing Meadows, New York. Aryna Sabalenka, the top-seeded player, faces Taylor Townsend. Carlos Alcaraz is set to play Tommy Paul. The evening highlights include Ben Shelton against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jessica Pegula in action.

Watch the thrilling matches on ESPN and ABC from 3 to 6 p.m. ET. Online streaming is available via Fubo.

Sabalenka vs. Townsend

Aryna Sabalenka stays aggressive as she serves for the set against Taylor Townsend. Townsend mounted a brief challenge, jumping ahead 40-15, but Sabalenka responded with a backhand winner at the net, and Sabalenka will serve for the set.

The momentum has shifted towards Sabalenka with a break in her favor. Although Townsend earned a triple break point, she couldn’t maintain it, with Sabalenka hitting a forehand into the net.

The match started energetically, with Townsend breaking Sabalenka’s service. Sabalenka countered by breaking Townsend’s service, setting the stage for a head-to-head rally.

Men’s Singles Matches

Today’s men’s singles match schedule features American players in each match, a rarity. Notable matches include:

• Tommy Paul (20) vs. Carlos Alcaraz (2), 2 p.m. ET
• Alex Michelsen vs. Tomás Martín Etcheverry (27), 2:30 p.m. ET
• Daniil Medvedev (7) vs. Francis Tiafoe (11), 3 p.m. ET
• Ben Shelton (8) vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas, 7 p.m. ET

Women’s Singles Matches

The women’s singles matches today include:

• Aryna Sabalenka (1) vs. Taylor Townsend, 11:30 a.m. ET
• Marta Kostyuk (11) vs. Linda Nosková, 12:30 p.m. ET*
• Jessica Pegula (3) vs. Sorana Cîrstea (16), 4:40 p.m. ET*
• Anna Kalinskaya (21) vs. Emma Navarro (26), 8:40 p.m. ET*

* Times are estimated.

Past Results and Highlights

Alexandra Eala receives vast support from her fans, representing the Filipino community proudly despite her exit after a tough match against Iva Jovic.

In men’s singles, Learner Tien triumphed over Jakub Menšík after winning the final set with fewer unforced errors, advancing to face Karen Khachanov in the fourth round.

Elena Rybakina secured the last spot in the women’s singles final 16, notably beating Yuliia Starodubtseva with a decisive second set after a tight tiebreak in the first.

In gripping contests, Iva Jovic prevailed over Alexandra Eala after a three-hour match. Naomi Osaka defeated Elise Mertens in a three-set thriller, featuring nine aces and significant third-set winners, and she will face Elena Rybakina next.