Khachanov upsets third-seeded Auger-Aliassime at U.S. Open

Karen Khachanov delivered a major upset at the U.S. Open on Thursday, defeating third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets to reach the third round. The 50th-ranked Russian won 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on the Louis Armstrong Stadium court, capitalizing on a performance from the Canadian that appeared to deteriorate as the match progressed. Auger-Aliassime, a two-time semifinalist at Flushing Meadows, started strongly and took the first set in a tiebreak. However, Khachanov seized control after that, breaking his opponent's serve seven times while saving seven of the nine break points he faced. The Russian noted that Auger-Aliassime seemed to struggle physically as the match went on. "I saw that maybe he had some physical issues... it's part of our sport," Khachanov said. "I tried to give my best performance, fighting, fighting. I'm super happy to get this win." The result marks another Grand Slam disappointment for Auger-Aliassime in 2026, following a first-round retirement at the Australian Open and quarterfinal exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. His departure, along with the first-round ousting of fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic, further opens the men's draw.