{
  "id": 5261086,
  "title": "Alcaraz and Sabalenka shine as US Open catches up after rain delays",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/alcaraz-and-sabalenka-shine-as-us-open-catches-up-after-rain-delays",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T05:53:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40437732/alcaraz-and-sabalenka-shine-as-us-open-catches-up-after-rain-delays"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Carlos Alcaraz marked his return from injury at the US Open with a strong performance, advancing after defeating Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in front of a captivated audience on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Meanwhile, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka dominated her match against Polina Iatcenko, sweeping the first two sets 6-1, 6-1 to secure her place in the next round. However, Russian sensation Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion, faced a minor setback when two birds landed on the net during his match against Sebastian Gorzny, causing a brief disruption. Despite this, Medvedev bounced back to defeat Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.\n\nIn another notable match, eighth-seeded Ben Shelton overcame Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in a grueling five-set battle, winning 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5. American Jessica Pegula displayed her aggressive playing style by defeating former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1, advancing to face Leylah Fernandez in the next round. Jessica Pegula's swift victory in under an hour demonstrated her ability to perform at a high level even in challenging circumstances.\n\nThe US Open's organizers were relieved to clear the backlog of rain-delayed matches, as the tournament resumed after a brief pause due to additional rain. Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete made a remarkable entrance into the second round with a stunning victory over 12th seed Rafael Jodar, while Alex Michelsen pulled off an upset by defeating fellow American and 16th seed Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Australian sixth seed Alex de Minaur continued his strong form, advancing to the next round after a 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 win against Italian qualifier Andrea Guerrieri. Peruvian Ignacio Buse also made history by winning a five-set match, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Eduardo, who last won a match at the US Open in 1958.",
  "summary": "NEW YORK: Carlos Alcaraz took another solid step in his comeback from injury while fellow defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced at the US Open on Wednesday, as organisers heaved a sigh of relief after clearing a backlog of rain-delayed matches. Former winner Daniil Medvedev weathered an avian interruption to soar into the next round, with Americans Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, Emma…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "US Open: Aryna Sabalenka hits back over accusations of partying: 'You guys are a joke'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/us-open-aryna-sabalenka-hits-back-over-accusations-of-partying-you",
        "published": "2026-09-03T05:38:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}