Shuai Zhang vs Leylah Fernandez Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | First Round

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The first-round of the US Open sees Leylah Fernandez take on Shuai Zhang. 

Start date/time: 30 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 Shuai Zhang vs Leylah Fernandezticket information

Shuai Zhang vs Leylah Fernandez prediction

Shuai Zhang last played in Monterrey, where she suffered a first-round defeat to Maria Timofeeva. That result followed a second-round loss to Ann Li in Cincinnati at her previous event. The 37-year-old’s best result of the season was her run from qualifying to the semi-finals of the Merida Open back in February. Her best finish at the US Open was a round-of-16 appearance four years ago.

She plays 2021 finalist Leylah Fernandez in round one. Fernandez did manage to reach the fourth-round at her home event in Canada, which included a fine victory over Roland Garros champion Mirra Andreeva. However, her inconsistent form continued as she lost her opening round match to Xinyu Wang in Cincinnati.

Fernandez has been far from her best for much of this season, especially on hard courts, where she has lost 11 of her 17 matches on the surface. However, she is still the clear favourite to win. 

Shuai Zhang vs Leylah Fernandez tip: Leylah Fernandez to win