The women’s singles final will see defending champion Aryna Sabalenka take on Elena Rybakina at the US Open 2026
Published: September 12, 2026, 2:12 PM IST
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Ronaldo Nazario (L) enjoys the famous honey deuce drink at US Open 2026Ben Shelton (R) after beating Frances Tiafoe in the men’s singles semi-finals(Credits: X)
Former Brazil striker and two-time FIFA World Cup winner Ronaldo Nazario was among the familiar faces seen in the stands at the US Open 2026, which has entered its final stage in New YorkThe former FC Barcelona great was seen enjoying the action with a Honey Deuce in hand as he watched the knockout stages at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Honey Deuce, one of the most recognisable drinks associated with the US Open, has become a regular part of the tournament experience for spectators and Ronaldo was no different.
Ronaldo enjoying a honey deuce at the #USOpen 🎾 pic.twitter.com/7LEYiliqoY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 11, 2026
His appearance added another big sporting name to the list of celebrities attending this year’s tournamentThe likes of Alexandra Daddario, Jimmy Fallon, Matthew McConaughey, Roger Federer and Travis Scott among others were also spotted in the tournament.
Alexander Zverev gets past Karen Khachanov
Meanwhile, top seed Alexander Zverev reached his second US Open final after beating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) in the first men’s semifinal.
The German made a strong start and took the opening set after breaking Khachanov onceThe second set was much closer, with both players trading breaks before Zverev edged the tiebreak.
Khachanov again pushed Zverev in the third set and even held a 5-2 lead in the tiebreakBut Zverev fought back and won five straight points to close out the match.
The victory also put Zverev into his third Grand Slam final in a rowHe had previously reached the US Open final in 2020, where he lost to Dominic Thiem.
Ben Shelton beats Frances Tiafoe
Ben Shelton completed the final line-up with a four-set win over fellow American Frances TiafoeShelton lost the opening set 4-6 but responded strongly to win the next three 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
The 23-year-old relied heavily on his serve and produced 18 aces during the matchTiafoe stayed in the contest for long periods, but Shelton handled the pressure better when the important points came.
Shelton had already produced the biggest win of his tournament by beating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal that lasted four hours and 28 minutes.
The victory took Shelton into his first Grand Slam finalIt also made him the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Shelton will now face Zverev for the titleThe German has won all five of their previous meetings but neither player has faced the other at a Grand Slam.
Aryna Sabalenka set to defend her crown
The women’s singles final will see defending champion Aryna Sabalenka take on Elena Rybakina at the US Open 2026Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to reach her fourth straight US Open final, while Rybakina fought back to beat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
