Main draw play gets underway at the US Open, with Jessica Pegula playing early

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Jasmine Paolini, of Italy, reacts during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Veronika Erjavec, of Slovenia, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Barbora Krejcikova, of the Czech Republic, returns the ball to Kamilla Rakhimova, of Uzbekistan, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) — Jasmine Paolini, of Italy, reacts during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Veronika Erjavec, of Slovenia, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

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11:31 AM on Sunday, August 30

The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Main draw play is underway at the U.S. Open, with 19th-seeded Jasmine Paolini among those playing in the opening set of matches at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sunday.

Third-ranked Jessica Pegula leads off at Arthur Ashe Stadium against Elena-Gabriela Ruse at noon, followed on the men’s side by Daniil Medvedev against Hugo Gaston.

Novak Djokovic begins his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title on Sunday night against Mariano Navone. Djokovic at 39 is coming off losing his opening match at the hardcourt tuneup Cincinnati Open earlier this month.

Venus Williams faces fellow American wild card Sophia Kenin in the last match of the night at Ashe. She and sister Serena are scheduled to play doubles together.

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