Karen Khachanov stuns Felix Auger-Aliassime, Anisimova, Keys survive huge scare

Karen Khachanov took care of one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open, knocking out third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round at Flushing Meadows.

The Russian, a former US Open semi-finalist, recovered brilliantly after losing a tight opening set and then took control of the match. Khachanov won 71 percent of his first-serve points and 67 percent of his second-serve points, converting seven of his 17 break points. Meanwhile, Auger-Aliassime managed to win only two of nine break points.

Also Read: US Open: Iga Swiatek advances to 3rd round, Naomi Osaka had to work hard

The Canadian, who reached the semi-finals of the US Open last year, struggled to maintain his level throughout the match. Khachanov won three straight sets after dropping the opener to seal one of the most significant results of the tournament so far.

Khačanov will next face the winner of the second round duel between Benjamin Bonzi and 32nd seed Ignacio Bus. The French and the Peruvian already met in the Winston-Salem semifinals, where Buse won 6-2, 4-6, 6-1. Their match at the US Open will determine Khačanov’s opponent in the third round.

KEYS SURVIVES THRILLER AGAINST BONDAR

Madison Keys was pushed to the brink by Anna Bondar before eventually winning 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5). The 22nd seed had to save five match points in the deciding set before sealing the dramatic victory. Keys endured an erratic outing, producing 50 unforced errors, but found her composure when the match was on the line.

Keys was already tested in the opening round by teenager Alina Korneeva, whom she defeated 7-5, 6-4. The 2017 US Open finalist will now face the winner of the second round meeting between Yulia Putinseva and Qinwen Zheng.

ANISIMOVA OVERCOMES THE THREE-LINE SCORE

Anisimová, last year’s US Open runner-up, also had to stumble against 18-year-old Lilla Taggerová. After winning the opening set 6-3, the 10th seed lost the second 3-6 before pulling away in the decider. Anisim eventually prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to end Tagger’s impressive run at her first US Open main draw.

Tagger made her mark by defeating Tamara Korpatsch in the opening round to become only the second player born in 2008 or later to win a Grand Slam main draw. However, against Anisima, the teenager could not withstand her challenge.

Anisimova, last year’s US Open runner-up, will face 24th seed Anastasia Potapova in the third round. Potapova advanced after beating Leolia Jeanjean 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, setting up an interesting clash with the 10th seed.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

04 Sep 2026 0:31 IST