US Open LIVE: Star to be stripped of ranking points as top seed crashes out
2026 US Open is in full swing, with storylines developing across the tournament. After a rain-affected start to proceedings in New York, it would appear that things have cleared up, and we should be in for a dry weekend at Flushing Meadows.
On the most part, the big names have fared well, with Novak Djokovic‘s first-round defeat still the biggest shock of the tournament. However, third seed in the men’s draw, Felix Auger-Aliassime, was on the receiving end of an upset, with the Canadian losing to Karen Khachanov in Thursday’s action.
Elsewhere, talented prodigy Alex Eala has raised eyebrows herself, after the 21-year-old announced she’d be missing the 2026 China Open in favour of competing in the Asian Games. It could lead to Eala being punished for skipping the WTA 1000 event, because of the WTA Tour’s mandatory tournament rules.
Felix Auger-Aliassime dumped out of US Open
Felix Auger-Aliassime was dumped out of the US Open.
The No.3 seed and 2025 semi-finalist lost 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to Karen Khachanov.
It marks Khachanov’s first Grand Slam win over a top-10 opponent since June 2019.
Auger-Aliassime admitted to feeling unwell during the contest.
He remarked: “After a set and a half, I just couldn’t feel well and was dizzy and seeing spots and couldn’t recover,” he said. “I thought maybe it would pass, but it didn’t.
“I’ve never felt quite like that. I’ve had cramps before. I’ve felt tired towards the end of matches, but in a normal way.
“This was abnormal a little bit, and there were no signs in the last couple of days and no signs this morning, as well.
Alex Eala at risk of losing ranking points
Alex Eala, one of the brightest stars on the WTA Tour, is at risk of being docked ranking points.
That’s because the Filipina tennis ace announced her intention to skip the WTA 1000 event in China so that she can feature in the Asian Games.
The event is being held in Nagoya, Japan, and clashes directly with the China Open in early to mid-October.
She could face penalties due to the WTA Tour’s mandatory tournament rules.
John Rey Tiangco, the Philippine Tennis Association Secretary General, said: “We’re very excited; it’s confirmed that she is playing the Asian Games.
“We’re very grateful to Alex. She really has a tight schedule. In fact, after the US Open, she’s going to Singapore to play in a WTA 500, and right after Singapore, she has to fly to Nagoya.
“And there are other simultaneous events with the Asian Games, but she chose to play for the flag. Very proud, very happy that she can represent the Philippines.”
