US Open 2026 Day 4: Power Struggles and Potential Surprises

When the rain at Flushing Meadows forced the organizers to adjust the schedule, the fourth day of the US Open 2026 promised to be an explosive day full of top clashes. Spectators would not only witness the world's best tennis players competing but also might see a shift in the power dynamics in both men's and women's tennis. The US Open is the last Grand Slam of the year, played on traditional hard courts. It is the final opportunity for players to assert their status before the season ends. This year, the tournament becomes even more attractive due to the absence of legends like Federer, Nadal, and Djo kovic – who have dominated the tennis world for two decades. This power vacuum is opening big opportunities for the next generation. The rain the previous day caused delays, making the fourth day's schedule dense, with many matches stretching late into the night, greatly affecting players' stamina. Among the notable names, Daniil Medvedev – former US Open champion – emerges as a top candidate. He once beat Novak Djo kovic in the 2026 final and now aims for a second trophy. Medvedev does n ot hide his ambition: he sees this as a chance to exploit the power vacuum. His trademark defensive counter-punching style suits hard courts well, but the dense schedule due to rain might affect his focus. Meanwhile, Jessica Peg ula stands before the opportunity to reach the world No. 1 spot for the first time if she wins the title. Peg ula has been in the top 10 for many years and now is the time to assert her class. Her match against Sofia Ke nin – a former Australian Open champion – promises to be very tense. Ke nin once declined in form but is gradually reviving, and she always knows how to trouble top opponents. One of the most anticipated matches is the duel between Ben Shel ton and Hub ert Hurkacz. Both possess deadly serves. Shel ton is left-handed, hits powerful balls and has the ability to extend points. Hurkacz excels at net play and has abundant stamina. This match is considered by experts as “a contest of artists” – where technique and strength blend. Whoever wins deserves to go deep. Besides, Brand on Nak ashima is an intriguing unknown. He just had an excellent performance in Cincinnati, sequentially beating Med vedev and Fritz to reach the semifinals. With that form, Nak ashima can certainly cause surprises at the US Open. However, the question is whether he can maintain consistent class through many matches, especially under the huge pressure of a Grand Slam. Stefanos Tsitsipas is also trying to regain form. His win over Arthur Fils in the first round was described as “his best in a long while”, showing signs of revival. But Tsitsipas is known for inconsistency, and this fourth day will be a real test. In the women's side, Iga Jovic – young Serbian talent – is approaching the threshold of top contention. She is expected to create a new wave in women's tennis. Meanwhile, players like Caroline Wozniacki (returning), Mad ison Keys, or Beat riz Haddad Maia are also formidable names. The match between Muchova and Ostapenko promises drama as both have unpredictable playstyles. However, from a contrarian perspective, it can be seen that too much expectation on Med vedev and Peg ula sometimes becomes a double-edged sword. The pressure to exploit the “power vacuum” may make them lose focus. Moreover, the dense schedule due to rain could cause fatigue, creating opportunities for underdogs like Nak ashima or Jovic to cause upsets. Tsitsipas, despite his recent good win, might stumble against more experienced opponents due to his instability. Besides, the media is too focused on the “power vacuum” narrative, forgetting that the young generation like Shel ton, Nak ashima are ready to step up. If they win today, the US Open picture will completely change. Will the veterans seize the opportunity, or will the young wave create a shock? The coming days may provide the answer. But from today, on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong courts, the top performances will sketch the initial picture for the remainder of the tournament. Let's wait and see!