Cobolli and Sakkari Pull Off Dramatic Comebacks at US Open
Source: Voice of Alexandria Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
New York – The U.S. Open’s second day unfolded under a canopy of shifting skies, with rain delaying the start on outer courts until the afternoon. When play finally resumed, the drama was swift and gripping. Flavio Cobolli, Italy’s No. 5 seed and a recent French Open finalist, found himself on the brink of an early exit against Francisco Comesana. After dropping the first two sets, he took a bathroom break, changed his entire outfit, and came back a different player. “In Grand Slams it’s never done. You have to fight until the last point,” Cobolli said after his 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory that stretched over four hours. The comeback was his first career turnaround from two sets down, sparing him from joining the likes of Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fils on the list of early casualties. Men’s top seed Jannik Sinner, also Italian, was absent due to a right knee injury.
Even more remarkable was Maria Sakkari’s rescue act. The Greek player, seeded 32nd, fell behind 6-2, 4-0 against American Robin Montgomery before the rain delay offered a reset. Once back on court, Sakkari shifted her mindset. “Just kept telling myself that everything is possible and just try to get myself in a good place mentally,” she said. “Because that girl I played today doesn't have the experience that I do. So I just told myself, let’s try and hang in there, try and make more balls, and it worked.” She clawed back to win 2-6, 7-5, 6-2, a testament to her experience from previous deep runs at Flushing Meadows and Wimbledon.
Earlier in the day, the retractable roofs over Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums allowed uninterrupted play despite the morning drizzle. Madison Keys, the No. 22 seed and 2017 runner-up, kicked off the Ashe schedule with a 7-5, 6-4 win over 19-year-old Alina Korneeva. Keys, who lost in the first round last year, acknowledged the challenge of facing an unseeded young player. “It’s always tough playing someone young and up and coming, and they’re going after their shots,” she said. “And it’s so hard to play a first round of a Grand Slam, so nervous and just wanting to do so well. So, really happy I was able to kind of fight through that and win today.”
Coco Gauff, the No. 4 seed and 2023 champion, faced a spirited test from Zeynep Sonmez. The Turkish player hit several highlight-reel shots, including a running down-the-line winner and a tricky spinning volley, earning applause from Gauff herself. But the American regained control midway through the second set, winning 6-3, 6-4. “I know that I can raise my level if I need to do and I like to challenge my opponent to let them keep up the level the whole match,” Gauff said. “And if they do, I clap my hands and I walk off court with my head held high.” Her path now leads to a second-round match against either Paula Badosa or Daria Kasatkina.
Other seeded players had smoother outings. No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz, the 2024 runner-up, dispatched 18-year-old American Darwin Blanch in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, seeded 17th, defeated Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-2. No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina overcame a brief delay to beat 17-year-old Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2 after outdoor play resumed. Frodin, a California native, served as the body double for actor Demi Singleton in the 2021 film “King Richard.”
Not all seeded players advanced. No. 12 seed Belinda Bencic, who teamed with Cobolli in mixed doubles, lost to Yulia Putintseva in three sets. The rain returned Tuesday evening, again restricting play to the two covered stadiums and forcing the postponement of several matches to Wednesday. The men’s draw also saw No. 17 Alex Eala and veteran Gael Monfils, playing on his 40th birthday, scheduled later in the day. The unpredictable weather has added a layer of complexity, testing players’ adaptability and mental fortitude. As the tournament progresses, the survivors of these early battles will carry the momentum of their hard-earned victories into the second round.
Article commentary
The second day of the 2026 U.S. Open offered a masterclass in resilience, with Flavio Cobolli and Maria Sakkari delivering comeback victories that defined the narrative. While the tournament’s early rounds often feature straightforward wins for top seeds, these two matches underscored the unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis. Cobolli’s turnaround from two sets down against Francisco Comesana is particularly significant given his status as a No. 5 seed and recent French Open finalist. His ability to recalibrate after a complete wardrobe change—a superstitious or psychological tactic—reflects the mental demands of the sport. The Italian’s win also highlights the depth of the men’s field, where even highly ranked players can face stiff challenges from unseeded opponents. The absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner due to injury only amplifies the pressure on Cobolli to carry Italian hopes. Sakkari’s comeback, however, was arguably more impressive. Falling behind 6-2, 4-0 against a rising American talent like Robin Montgomery would have crushed many players. But Sakkari’s experience—she has reached semifinals at both the U.S. Open and Wimbledon—allowed her to calm her nerves and lean on her court craft. Her post-match comments about staying positive and making more balls reveal a pragmatic approach to breaking down an opponent’s rhythm. This mental fortitude is a hallmark of seasoned competitors, and it bodes well for her prospects in the second round. The rain delays that bookended the day added a layer of complexity. Play was limited to the two roofed stadiums for the morning, and then afternoon showers forced further interruptions. Such conditions test players’ scheduling flexibility and ability to maintain focus. For instance, Sakkari used the rain break to reset, while Cobolli’s match was paused multiple times. The tournament organizers face a logistical challenge as more rain is forecast, potentially pushing matches into the middle of the week. This could lead to fatigue for players who have to play multiple days in a row. Coco Gauff’s straightforward win over Zeynep Sonmez was a positive sign for the defending champion. She showed improved serving consistency compared to last year, when she struggled with her toss and had to work through a rocky opener. The Cincinnati title has clearly boosted her confidence. Her ability to maintain intensity even when an opponent raises her level is a championship quality. However, the second round could bring a tough test against either Badosa or Kasatkina, both experienced players. From a broader perspective, the early exits of Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fils have already shaken up the men’s draw. Cobolli’s survival keeps the top half competitive, while players like Taylor Fritz and Mirra Andreeva look poised for deep runs. The women’s draw remains wide open, with top seed Aryna Sabalenka yet to play and Gauff emerging as a favorite. The rain-affected schedule will test the depth of the field, and the players who handle the disruptions best will likely advance. As the tournament moves into the second round, the storyline of comebacks and resilience may well define the 2026 U.S. Open.