A High-Stakes Second Round Encounter
The 2026 US Open continues today, September 2, with one of the most anticipated matchups of the second round: American star Ben Shelton facing Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. The match, hosted at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, represents a significant test for both players as they look to secure a spot in the third round of the final Grand Slam of the year.
Ben Shelton, currently the highest-ranked American man in the tournament draw, advanced to this stage after a hard-fought four-set victory over Tallon Griekspoor. Despite dropping the opening set 1-6, Shelton rallied to win the subsequent sets 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2, showcasing the resilience that has made him a crowd favorite at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Hubert Hurkacz, the world No. 47, enters the match following a four-set win against Damir Džumhur in his opening round.
Tactical Breakdown: The Serve-and-Volley Battle
This encounter is expected to be a masterclass in modern power tennis. Both players possess elite serves, with each athlete having recorded speeds as high as 151 mph during their respective campaigns. The match marks the first tour-level meeting between the two, meaning tactical adjustments will likely play a decisive role in the outcome.
Shelton will look to leverage the intense home crowd support at Arthur Ashe Stadium to sustain momentum. For Hurkacz, the challenge lies in neutralizing the American’s aggressive baseline play while maintaining his own composure under the pressure of one of the world’s largest tennis arenas.
How to Watch
The match is scheduled as the second event of the day session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, following the clash between Jessica Pegula and Sofia Kenin, which kicks off at 11:30 a.m. ET. As the start time is contingent on the duration of the preceding match, viewers are encouraged to monitor live updates.
In the United States, ESPN holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 US Open, with coverage available across ESPN platforms and ESPN+. International viewers can follow the match via local rights holders, including Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, 9Now in Australia, and TSN in Canada.