US Open 2026: Michelsen stuns No. 16 Nakashima to reach third round
Synopsis
World No. 46 Alex Michelsen, still finding his footing after an oblique injury, swept past No. 16 seed and career-high-ranked Brandon Nakashima in straight sets at the US Open — only his second Top 20 win of the season. For two of America's brightest young tennis hopes, the result reshuffles the pecking order heading into the business end of the Slam.
Key Takeaways
Alex Michelsen defeated No.
16 seed Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 on 2 September at the US Open Grandstand .
It was the first career meeting between the two Californians, with Michelsen winning comfortably in straight sets.
Michelsen has now reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the fourth time in his career — previously at the Australian Open ( 2024, 2025 ) and Roland Garros ( 2026 ).
The win is only Michelsen's second victory over a Top 20 opponent in 10 attempts this season, after beating No.
7 Taylor Fritz at Indian Wells.
Nakashima , who had reached a career-high No.
17 ranking last month, sees his 2026 American hard-court record drop to 13-4 .
Alex Michelsen, ranked World No. 46, knocked out No. 16 seed Brandon Nakashima in straight sets — 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 — on Day 4 of the US Open at the Grandstand court in New York on Wednesday, 2 September, advancing to the third round of the Grand Slam. The result marked a notable upset, with the 22-year-old Michelsen outclassing his fellow Californian in their first-ever head-to-head encounter.
How the Match Unfolded
Nakashima, aged 25, made an assertive start, breaking serve early to move 2-0 ahead in the opening set. However, Michelsen steadied quickly, imposing himself in the aggressive baseline exchanges that defined the contest. Nakashima saved two set points at 3-5, but consecutive forced errors ultimately handed the first set to Michelsen.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Michelsen broke in the eighth game to establish a 5-3 lead and then closed out the set to love, seizing full momentum. He carried that authority into the third, wrapping up the match 6-4 without any dramatic wobble to complete a composed straight-sets victory.
Michelsen's Growing Grand Slam Pedigree
The win is Michelsen's fourth consecutive appearance in the US Open main draw and his fourth career Grand Slam third-round berth, following runs at the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025 and Roland Garros 2026. Notably, this is also only his second win in 10 attempts against a Top 20 opponent this season — the first being a victory over No. 7 Taylor Fritz at Indian Wells. Michelsen had been managing recovery from an oblique injury that curtailed his grass-court campaign, making his commanding display in New York all the more significant.
A Setback for Nakashima's Breakthrough Season
The defeat is a blow for Nakashima, who had reached a career-high ranking of No. 17 just last month. He had been chasing a third US Open third-round appearance — having achieved it in 2022 and 2024. His 2026 season had been among his best, including final appearances at Dallas and semifinal berths at Acapulco, Queen's Club, and Washington. His American hard-court record for the season — bolstered by semifinals at Washington D.C., a final at Montreal, and semifinals at Cincinnati — now stands at 13-4 following this loss.
What This Means for American Men's Tennis
The clash was billed as a generational showdown between two of the most promising names in American men's tennis, and Michelsen's clinical display underlines his growing ability to perform on the biggest stages. This comes amid renewed optimism around the depth of US men's tennis, with multiple young players threatening the upper echelons of the ATP rankings. Michelsen's ability to neutralise a seeded, in-form opponent in straight sets will raise expectations heading into the third round.
With his place in the last 32 secured, Michelsen will look to continue his deep New York run — a result that could have meaningful implications for his ranking and seeding prospects at future Slams.
Point of View
Neutralised the break, and then dictated terms on his own timeline. The caveat is context — Michelsen has beaten only two Top 20 opponents all season, and the draw ahead will demand far more. For Nakashima, the loss is a reminder that a career-high ranking built on hard-court depth can unravel quickly against a peer who has studied your game. The real story for American tennis is not who won this match, but whether either player can sustain a deep Slam run under the weight of expectation.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in the Michelsen vs Nakashima US Open 2026 match?
Alex Michelsen defeated Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets in their second-round match at the US Open on 2 September 2026. The match was played on the Grandstand court in New York.
How far has Alex Michelsen reached at Grand Slams in his career?
Michelsen has now reached the third round of a Grand Slam on four occasions — at the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025, Roland Garros 2026, and now the US Open 2026. He is playing in his fourth consecutive US Open main draw.
What is Brandon Nakashima's ranking and 2026 season record?
Nakashima reached a career-high ranking of No. 17 in the month before the US Open 2026. His 2026 season included final appearances at Dallas and semifinal berths at Acapulco, Queen's Club, and Washington, with his American hard-court record now standing at 13-4 after this defeat.
Was Michelsen carrying an injury into the US Open?
Yes, Michelsen had been recovering from an oblique injury that limited his grass-court season. His commanding straight-sets win over Nakashima suggests he has returned to full fitness ahead of the hard-court Slam.
Who does Michelsen face next at the US Open 2026?
The source does not specify Michelsen's third-round opponent. His place in the last 32 is confirmed following his win over Nakashima, and further details are expected once the draw progresses.
