US Open 2026 Day 4: The Race of Power Vacuum Hunters

Rain has disrupted the US Open 2026 schedule, turning the fourth day of play into a sprawling mess of backlogged matches. But hidden beneath that congested schedule are stories much bigger than who wins and who loses. This is the time when top players begin to see the 'power vacuum' and plan their long-term moves. Daniil Medvedev, the 2026 US Open champion, made no secret of his ambition when speaking about exploiting the 'power vacuum' in the men's singles draw. He arrived in New York with the mentality of a former champion, knowing exactly what it feels like to lift that prestigious silver trophy. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula stands on the verge of reaching world No. 1 for the first time if she has a successful week at Flushing Meadows – a major boost for her career after years of relentless effort. The tactical highlight of the fourth day is the clash between Ben Shelton and Hubert Hurkacz – a match that tennis purists have dubbed the 'stylist's pick'. Shelton, with his powerful left-handed serve, will face Hurkacz, a player with a versatile net-rushing game. The contrast between these two styles promises a spectacular and unpredictable contest. Looking at the young talents, Brandon Nakashima is in strong form after reaching the Cincinnati semifinals, where he defeated both Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz. My experience watching matches tells me Nakashima possesses an extremely solid serving and baseline game, but the big question is whether he can sustain this level over a two-week tournament. As for Iga Jovic, the young player 'nearing readiness for contention', she is expected to cause an upset if she gets past this round. Stefanos Tsitsipas is also a name to watch after recording what was described as his 'best win in a long while' against Arthur Fils. However, I maintain a methodical skepticism about Tsitsipas's form – one win is not enough to erase a string of inconsistent results. Is this the start of a genuine resurgence, or just a flash of brilliance in a season full of turbulence? Data from recent tournaments suggests Tsitsipas still has weaknesses in handling pressure at crucial moments. In terms of tournament structure, the rain disruption could create significant disadvantages. Players who have to compete late in the day will have less recovery time, which could lead to upsets in later rounds. The congested schedule also means some matches could finish near midnight, affecting the quality of play the following day. Interestingly, although many players are mentioned in the Day 4 lineup, no specific tactical analysis or data is provided. This reflects a reality that in the early stages of a Grand Slam, overall observation and assessment may be more important than diving deep into individual matches. However, for analysts like me, the lack of data also means we cannot make highly confident judgments. The contrast between expectation and reality will be a recurring theme of this day. Can Medvedev turn the 'power vacuum' into a real advantage? Can Pegula handle the pressure of the world No. 1 race? And can young players like Nakashima or Jovic seize the opportunity to make a name for themselves? These questions will gradually be answered as the tournament progresses into the second week. One thing is certain: the US Open 2026 is witnessing a new generation of players ready to write new chapters in history. With the 'big names' no longer dominating as before, opportunities are opening wider than ever for those willing to seize them. And this fourth day, with all its chaos and promise, is where those stories begin.