US Open 2026: Second Round Set to Explode After Djokovic Shock – Shelton, Alcaraz and the Marathon Battles

When Novak Djokovic laid down his racket in the opening round, the tennis world froze. The 2026 US Open just witnessed one of the biggest shocks in tournament history, which means the path deep into the draw is wider open than ever for young talents. Day 4 at Flushing Meadows will not only resolve the 14 first-round matches postponed by rain, but also feature the start of 32 second-round matches. With many seeded players struggling due to lingering injuries, this year's second round promises matchups that feel like early finals. From a showdown between two thunderous servers, to the defending champion's quest to rediscover his rhythm, and the farewell performance of a 40-year-old legend – all combine to create one of the most anticipated days in New York. The first notable match features Ben Shelton against Hubert Hurkacz. Shelton, the American, had a slow start in the first round against Tallon Griekspoor but still found a way to win. His strengths lie in a powerful serve and aggressive baseline game – weapons that have made him a difficult opponent on New York hard courts. But Hurkacz is no pushover. The Pole also owns a big serve and knows how to keep points short. Returning to the top 50 after a long injury battle has boosted his confidence. Hurkacz just beat Damir Dzumhur in the first round, showing good fitness and morale. From a data perspective, this matchup is expected to be long. Both players have high first-serve win percentages, but if the match goes to a fifth set, the edge shifts to Shelton because Hurkacz often struggles with stamina late in matches. However, don't rely on an easy script. Hurkacz is more versatile at the net, and his return game could produce surprises. I predict Shelton will win in five sets, but it will be a tense battle that might come down to a decisive tiebreak. The second highly anticipated match is between third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and Karen Khachanov. This could be one of the most balanced matches of the second round. Auger-Aliassime, the Canadian, was not at his best in the first round, dropping a set to Rinky Hijikata. Still, he clinched the win thanks to 17 aces – a telling number about his serving power. But to beat Khachanov, he must improve his break-point conversion and second-serve effectiveness. Khachanov is an experienced player who reached the US Open semifinals in 2026. However, since then he has never gone past the second round at Flushing Meadows. His recent form has been inconsistent, but with his power and ability to strike through opponents, he can definitely trouble the third seed. If the match goes deep, Khachanov will handle the pressure better. My prediction: Karen Khachanov wins in five sets. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz continues his title defense. The defending champion made an impressive return by beating Roman Safiullin in the first round. However, Jaime Faria could be a much tougher test if the Portuguese carries the confidence from his grueling five-set victory over Jenson Brooksby. Alcaraz will be the clear favorite, but his lack of match practice could give Faria some hope. After a long injury layoff, facing an energetic young opponent in round two is not easy. Faria is in good form and proved his ability to handle pressure by winning the fifth set in the opening round. If Alcaraz doesn't find his rhythm quickly, the match could run longer than expected. I still believe in Alcaraz's class, but get ready for a dramatic five-setter. We cannot overlook Gael Monfils' performance this year. At age 40, the Frenchman is playing his final US Open, and he left everyone in awe with an emotional first-round display against Adolfo Daniel Vallejos Alvarez. His shots remain artistic, and his unique celebrations ignited the crowd. However, his second-round opponent, Learner Tien, is the 14th seed and a promising young American. Tien just cruised past Nuno Borges in straight sets, showing freshness and confidence. Monfils will use his experience and long levers to create problems, but Tien's youth and stamina will be key to advancing deeper on home soil. Prediction: Learner Tien wins in five sets. Overall, the US Open 2026 second round is not just about deciding who advances; it is a test of character for young players eager to make a name. The shock of Djokovic's early exit opened a section where there is no room for safety. Anyone aiming for the top must be ready for marathon matches where mentality and fitness are weighed. For fans, this is the moment when hearts beat together – a pulse that doesn't need goals to resonate. When the stands fall silent, I listen to the court with xG and see data that also vibrates – but that data only truly matters when it touches the hearts of millions watching on small screens. Day 4 of the 2026 US Open promises a long day filled with sweat, roars, and perhaps tears. From Shelton, Auger-Aliassime, Alcaraz to Monfils, each match carries its own script. But one thing is certain: New York is waiting for spectacular upsets. Fans don't need golden trophies; they need a reason to sing together on the streets. And this second round has plenty of material to create new epics for world tennis.