Duckworth advances in four-set US Open battle

Australian James Duckworth progressed to the second round of the 2026 US Open with a hard-fought four-set victory over Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in the opening round at New York. Duckworth lost the first set 7-5 but responded strongly, taking the next two sets 6-3 and 6-2. He then held his nerve in a tense fourth-set tie-break, winning 7-6(8) to complete a 3-1 victory. The provider recorded Duckworth as the winner with three sets won and one set lost. The match lasted four sets, with Arnaldi taking the opening set before Duckworth controlled the contest through the middle stages and prevailed in a closely fought finish.