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Djokovic ends 19-match US Open win streak with loss

9/1/2026

42 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Djokovic Upset

Novak Djokovic, the No. 4 seed, suffered his first-round US Open loss, ending a 19-0 streak.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his US Open return.
Aryna Sabalenka beat Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 to start her US Open three-peat bid.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, unseeded, eliminated No. 10 Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4.
Stan Wawrinka lost to Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 in his final Grand Slam appearance.

Summary

Alcaraz Pain-Free

Carlos Alcaraz said his wrist felt pain-free and he was happy to compete again.
He wore a long-sleeve arm sleeve and tape on his wrist during the match.
Commentators John McEnroe and James Blake warned a potential fourth-round clash with Tommy Paul could test him.
Travis Scott’s image flashed on the big screen while Alcaraz was playing.

History

Historical Context

In the 2009 US Open, held Aug 31–Sep 14, Juan Martín del Potro ended five-time champion Roger Federer’s streak, winning the men’s singles title as the first Argentine champion since 1977. That upset showed how newcomers can topple the Big Three, a pattern echoed today as No. 4 seed Novak Djokovic fell in the first round while 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz advanced, reminding fans of the tournament’s 128-player draw history.

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Djokovic Upset

Novak Djokovic, the No. 4 seed, suffered his first-round US Open loss, ending a 19-0 streak.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his US Open return.
Aryna Sabalenka beat Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 to start her US Open three-peat bid.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, unseeded, eliminated No. 10 Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4.
Stan Wawrinka lost to Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 in his final Grand Slam appearance.

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