11 Essential US Open Tennis Stories for Fans

According to Press Monitor's tracking of Canadian publications, the 2026 US Open in New York has delivered another day of stunning upsets, historic milestones, and off-court controversy. From a qualifier's breakthrough against a six-time Grand Slam champion to the end of a 150-year tennis tradition, this press review covers the stories that matter. Here are 11 essential news on tennis stories from Canadian print coverage, grounded in media monitoring and media intelligence from Press Monitor.

1. Zheng Qinwen Stuns Swiatek at US Open

Calgary Sun reports that Chinese star Zheng Qinwen stunned six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek by rallying from a five-to-zero deficit to claim a victory and advance to the quarterfinals. Zheng, currently ranked one hundred twenty-first following elbow surgery, broke Swiatek twice in the second set to secure the win. She will next face Kazakh player Elena Rybakina, who also advanced past four-time champion Naomi Osaka.

Why it matters: A 121st-ranked qualifier became the first to beat Iga Swiatek at a Grand Slam, reshaping the women's draw.

Key detail: Zheng saved three set points, broke Swiatek twice in the second set after trailing 5-0 in the first.

Source: Calgary Sun, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: Zheng faces Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals — a blockbuster matchup.

2. Rybakina Overpowers Osaka in US Open

The Hamilton Spectator reports that Elena Rybakina overpowered Naomi Osaka at the US Open and is a win away from the No. 1 ranking in women's tennis. Rybakina advanced to the quarterfinals Monday with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Osaka and will face Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen. The No. 2-seeded Rybakina is guaranteed to replace Aryna Sabalenka atop the WTA rankings if she reaches the semifinals in Flushing Meadows.

Why it matters: Elena Rybakina is one win away from the WTA No. 1 ranking after a dominant straight-sets victory.

Key detail: Rybakina won 6-1, 6-4 and will face Zheng Qinwen in the quarters.

Source: Hamilton Spectator, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: If Rybakina reaches the semifinals, she replaces Aryna Sabalenka at No. 1.

3. Dabrowski and Stefani Reach U.S. Open Doubles Quarter-Finals

The Globe And Mail reports that Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski and Brazilian partner Luisa Stefani advanced to the quarter-finals in women's doubles action at the U.S. Open on Monday. The second-seeded duo defeated Japan's Eri Hozumi and Slovenia's Andreja Klepac in straight sets in the round of 16. Dabrowski and Stefani will next face China's Jiang Xinyu and Zhang Shuai.

Why it matters: Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski continues her strong US Open run in doubles.

Key detail: The second-seeded duo defeated Japan's Eri Hozumi and Slovenia's Andreja Klepac in straight sets.

Source: The Globe And Mail, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: Dabrowski and Stefani will face China's Jiang Xinyu and Zhang Shuai in the next round.

4. Tsitsipas Ends 150-Year One-Handed Backhand Era

Le Journal de Montréal reports that the elimination of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the round of 16 at the US Open has ended a sequence spanning over 150 years in tennis. For the first time since 1877, no Grand Slam semifinalist this year will have played with a one-handed backhand. Only five regular top 100 men's players, led by Lorenzo Musetti, still use the stroke, which Denis Shapovalov adopted inspired by Roger Federer.

Why it matters: The elimination of Stefanos Tsitsipas has ended a sequence spanning over 150 years in tennis.

Key detail: For the first time since 1877, no Grand Slam semifinalist this year will have played with a one-handed backhand.

Source: Le Journal de Montreal, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: Only five regular top 100 men, led by Lorenzo Musetti, still use the traditional stroke.

5. US Open Late Matches Spark Debate

Le Journal de Montreal reports that several high-profile tennis matches at the US Open recently concluded past two a.m., prompting calls for schedule reforms. Players including Ben Shelton, Denis Shapovalov, Alexander Zverev and Jessica Pegula have highlighted concerns regarding athlete fatigue and low viewership for late-night broadcasts. Unlike Wimbledon, the New York-based Grand Slam currently operates without a strict nightly curfew, hosting two evening sessions daily.

Why it matters: Matches ending past 2 a.m. are prompting calls for schedule reforms at the New York Grand Slam.

Key detail: Players including Ben Shelton, Denis Shapovalov, Alexander Zverev, and Jessica Pegula have raised concerns about athlete fatigue.

Source: Le Journal de Montreal, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: Unlike Wimbledon, the US Open currently operates without a strict nightly curfew.

6. US Open Faces Influencer and Betting Controversy

Le Journal de Montréal reports that the US Open tournament in Flushing, New York has faced several controversies, including influencers interrupting matches for photos, gambling company partnerships raising legal concerns for players, and complaints about cannabis odour in the stands. Players like Daniil Medvedev and Jessica Pegula have expressed mixed reactions to the influencer accreditations, while others like Aryna Sabalenka complained about the atmosphere. Some tennis stars including Serena Williams and Coco Gauff attended a Draft Kings event, potentially breaching integrity rules.

Why it matters: Social media influencers attending matches have disrupted play and raised integrity concerns.

Key detail: Players including Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula have expressed frustration, while betting partner Kalshi sparked additional legal concerns.

Source: Le Journal de Montreal, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: Several stars attended a Draft Kings sponsored event, potentially breaching anti-corruption rules.

7. US Open Tennis Quarterfinal Roundup

The Globe And Mail reports that Mirra Andreeva, Zheng Qinwen, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff reached the United States Open quarterfinals in singles, while doubles winners included Mertens and Shnaider, Montgomery and Krueger, and others. The publication also features Canadian Football League and Major League Soccer league standings alongside International Basketball Federation Women's World Cup group stage results from Berlin.

Why it matters: The Globe And Mail's roundup captures the full quarterfinal picture across singles and doubles.

Key detail: Mirra Andreeva, Zheng Qinwen, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff reached the singles quarterfinals.

Source: The Globe And Mail, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: Doubles winners included Mertens and Shnaider, Montgomery and Krueger, and others.

8. US Open Tennis Results and College Sports Leads

Times Colonist reports that at the US Open in New York, Mirra Andreeva defeated Anastasia Potapova and Zheng Qinwen defeated Iga Swiatek in women's singles fourth round matches. In college sports, number nineteen SMU travels to Florida State while number seventeen Washington hosts Washington State.

Why it matters: The US Open results intersect with broader sports coverage including college football.

Key detail: Zheng Qinwen defeated Iga Swiatek in women's singles fourth round action.

Source: Times Colonist, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: College sports headlines include SMU traveling to Florida State and Washington hosting Washington State.

9. Williams Advanced Schools Errols in Singles Fourth Round

{source_name} reports that fourth round singles action saw notable upsets including Carlos Alcaraz defeating Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe overcoming Daniil Medvedev. Meanwhile Timothy Wie Overmatched by Wyatt Sommerville in the doubles round. In golf, Thriston Lawrence won the Omega European Masters on a playoff at Crans-Montana.

Why it matters: The US Open fourth round delivered major upsets including Carlos Alcaraz defeating Tommy Paul.

Key detail: Frances Tiafoe overcame Daniil Medvedev while Timothy Wie was overmatched by Wyatt Sommerville in doubles.

Source: Times Colonist, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: In golf, Thriston Lawrence won the Omega European Masters on a playoff at Crans-Montana.

10. Andreeva Wins Fourth Round at Canadian Open

The Times Colonist reports that Mirra Andreeva defeated Anastasia Potapova in the fourth round of the Canadian Open. Iga Swiatek lost to Zheng Qinwen, while Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani won their doubles match in Ottawa.

Why it matters: Mirra Andreeva's victory adds to the momentum for Russian players in the current WTA season.

Key detail: Andreeva defeated Anastasia Potapova while Iga Swiatek lost to Zheng Qinwen.

Source: Times Colonist, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani also won their doubles match in Ottawa.

11. Blue Jays Batting Records Updated

Toronto Star reports that the Blue Jays batting averages include Bateman at .347 and Guerrero Jr. at .259. Pitching totals stand at 72 wins and 72 losses with a 3.92 ERA. The US Open tennis results saw Zheng Qinwen defeat Iga Swiatek. In Formula One, Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Why it matters: The Toronto Star's sports roundup includes US Open tennis results alongside MLB and Formula One updates.

Key detail: Zheng Qinwen defeated Iga Swiatek in the US Open fourth round.

Source: Toronto Star, tracked by Press Monitor

Next step: In Formula One, Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Closing: Which of these 11 stories will have the biggest impact on the rest of the US Open? Follow Press Monitor for ongoing Canadian print media coverage of tennis and beyond.