The first week of the 2026 US Open has lived up to its reputation for unpredictability, with some of the tournament's biggest names eliminated in dramatic fashion. Notable upsets include Mariano Navone’s five-set win over Novak Djokovic, Dane Sweeny's turnaround against Lorenzo Musetti, as well as surprise victories by underdogs in both the singles and doubles draws. Several favorites, such as Amanda Anisimova and Alex de Minaur, were sent home early. This flurry of upsets underscores the grueling nature of the US Open and the ever-present potential for surprises, making it arguably the most chaotic Grand Slam this season.
The US Open has always had a reputation for producing the most unpredictable results of the four Grand Slams. Coming at the end of a long season, fatigue can play a major role, making even the biggest names vulnerable to unexpected defeats.
But this year, the chaos in New York has reached another level. The opening rounds have already produced a flurry of major upsets, with several established stars sent packing earlier than expected. From dramatic five-setters to stunning straight-set defeats, the first week has delivered plenty of surprises.
Biggest US Open Upsets
The opening week in New York has produced some huge shocks, with several underdogs beating heavily favored opponents. Here are the biggest upsets, starting with the players who entered with the longest odds.
Dane Sweeny shocks Lorenzo Musetti
Dane Sweeny weathered Musetti’s early pressure and took advantage of the Italian’s ongoing fitness struggles, turning the match around after losing the opening set.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Dane Sweeny vs Lorenzo Musetti
14.01 - 1.03
3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2
R2
Dane Sweeny reacts after defeating Lorenzo Musetti during their Men's Singles Second Round match at the US Open (Getty)
Sebastian Gorzny stuns Raphael Collignon
Sebastian Gorzny made the most of his wildcard opportunity by securing the biggest result of his career, stunning R. Collignon in a thrilling five-set battle.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Sebastian GorznyvsRaphael Collignon
8.95 - 1.11
3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6
R1
Bu Yunchaokete cruises past Rafael Jodar
Perhaps the most unexpected result of the US Open so far, as Rafael Jodar’s impressive form came to a sudden end against lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete. The Chinese player dominated from start to finish, cruising to a surprisingly one-sided victory.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Bu Yunchaoketevs Rafael Jodar
8.18 - 1.07
6-2, 6-1, 6-1
R1
Yunchaokete Bu shakes hands with Rafael Jodar after a Men's Singles match on Day Four of the 2026 US Open (Getty)
Mariano Navone stuns Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic may be showing signs of decline at this stage of his career, but seeing the 24-time Grand Slam champion bow out in the first round is still a shocking result given his stature, record and incredible legacy at this level.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Mariano Navone vs Novak Djokovic
7.34 - 1.14
7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1
R1
Novak Djokovic thanks the fans after his five set loss against Mariano Navone during their Men's Singles First Round match on Day One of the 2026 US Open (Getty)
Anastasia Potapova upsets Amanda Anisimova
Anastasia Potapova knocked out last year’s runner-up and home favorite Amanda Anisimova in straight sets, landing a big-odds winner for her backers.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Anastasia Potapova vs Amanda Anisimova
5.55 - 1.15
6-2, 7-5
R3
Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Arthur Fils
Stefanos Tsitsipas is a former world No. 3 and multiple-time Grand Slam finalist, but the result was particularly surprising given their recent form. Fils arrived on the back of a title-winning run at the Cincinnati Masters, while Tsitsipas had endured a poor run of form and had been close to dropping out of the top 100 just a few months ago.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Arthur Fils
5.11 - 1.18
4-6, 7-6, 6-1, 6-4
R1
Yulia Putintseva upsets Belinda Bencic
Yulia Putintseva pulled off another first-round surprise, coming from a set down to beat Belinda Bencic in three sets. The Kazakh was a clear underdog at 5.01, while Bencic was priced at 1.12.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Yulia Putintseva vs Belinda Bencic
5.01 - 1.12
4-6, 7-5, 6-3
R1
Botic van de Zandschulp outplays Alex de Minaur
Botic van de Zandschulp has a history of delivering big wins at the US Open, having previously beaten Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz. He added another famous victory to that list by knocking out Alex de Minaur in this year’s edition.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Alex de Minaur
4.87 - 1.20
6-4, 7-5, 6-2
R2
Botic van de Zandschulp hits a backhand against Alex de Minaur during a Men's Singles match on Day Five of the 2026 US Open (Getty)
Emma Navarro upsets Karolina Muchova
Muchova, a finalist at the most recent Grand Slam at Wimbledon, was knocked out in surprisingly easy fashion at the US Open by local favorite Emma Navarro.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Emma Navarro vs Karolina Muchova
4.13 - 1.24
6-3, 7-5
R3
Francisco Cerundolo shocks Taylor Fritz
Taylor Fritz thoroughly dominated his opening two matches at the US Open with straight-set wins, making the local favorite look primed for a deep run. But Cerundolo played spoiler, producing an unexpected five-set comeback after trailing by two sets and a break.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Francisco Cerundolovs Taylor Fritz
6.73 - 1.13
3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
R3
Taylor Fritz reacts against Francisco Cerundolo during their Men's Singles Third Round match on Day Seven of the 2026 US Open (Getty)
The doubles section has been no exception, as Carpico and Filin, who have enjoyed success together at college and lower levels, produced a massive upset against the top Brazilian pair of Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos. Luz and Matos arrived in New York having won back-to-back titles at the Cincinnati Masters and Montreal Masters.
Match
Odds
Score
Round
Carpico/Filin vs Luz/Matos
5.08 - 1.12
4-6, 7-6, 7-5
R1
Tournament Preview
Want to look beyond the upsets and see the bigger picture? Check out our US Open tournament preview for a closer look at the main contenders, key storylines and what to expect from the rest of the tournament.
Tennis Writer • 10+ Years as a Tennis Analyst & Betting Strategist
Tomasz Wilk is a tennis analyst and betting strategist with a sharp eye for momentum shifts, underdog value and live markets. His work focuses on delivering actionable insights, match previews, and betting tips across ATP and WTA tours. Combining data and intuition, he aims to help readers stay ahead of the curve in a fast-moving betting landscape.
---Rafael-Jodar-6096285.jpg "Yunchaokete Bu (L) & Rafael Jodar")
