Julia Grabher vs Sorana Cirstea Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | First Round

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Julia Grabher takes on Sorana Cirstea in the first-round of the US Open. 

Start date/time: 31 August 2026 at 4:00 pm

Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – ESPN+

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Julia Grabher vs Sorana Cirstea ticket information

Julia Grabher vs Sorana Cirstea prediction

Julia Grabher impressed in Philadelphia, as she won three matches in a row to advance to the last four. She was then beaten by Tereza Valentova in straight sets, winning just three games in total. Her best result of the season was a run to the final in Kitzbuhel, while she also did win her first-round match at the Australian Open.

Her opening round opponent is Sorana Cirstea. The Romanian is competing in her final US Open, as she will retire at the end of the current season. Cirstea performed well in Cincinnati, reaching the round-of-16 before a tight three set defeat to Jessica Pegula. She won the Transylvania Open title in Cluj back in February, along with a quarter-final run at Roland Garros and a last four finish in Rome. 

Cirstea is the clear favourite and has also won their two previous meetings overall. The 36-year-old will be hoping for a deep run on her final appearance at Flushing Meadows. 

Julia Grabher vs Sorana Cirstea tip: Sorana Cirstea to win