US Open 2026: Shelton vs Zverev, Sabalenka vs Rybakina, and How We Got Here

Ben Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe and Alexander Zverev beat Karen Khachanov to set the men's final. Aryna Sabalenka went through Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina came through Coco Gauff to set the women's. Ian joins Anastasia to recap the quarterfinals and semifinals, including Shelton's 3:33 a.m. win over Carlos Alcaraz, Khachanov's run past Alexander Blockx, and Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen at the net. They also get into the walkouts, how much fans are told about the players on court, and both finals. Recorded before the women's and men's finals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

02:13 US Open atmosphere and player performances

04:14 Behind the scenes: industry events, brand activations, and media coverage

07:15 The first week and fan engagement

12:18 Quarterfinal recap and standout moments

20:15 Semifinal matchups and player form

30:15 Walkouts and match build-up

40:24 Fan knowledge and media representation

50:19 Final thoughts on the men's and women's finals

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