Before Sebastian Gorzny knew what was happening in his second-round match at the 2026 US Open against Daniil Medvedev, the American was down a set. In 21 minutes, the Russian dominated the opener 6-1. This was, of course, to be expected. Gorzny had won one ATP-level match in his career, and that came in the first round.
Medvedev is still a top-10 player, though many appear to have forgotten just how good he can be. He reminded the rest of the tennis world about his prowess against the overmatched Gorzny, a 22-year-old who played successfully at the University of Texas but not yet at the professional level.
The Russian knows how to win in New York, having taken the title there in 2021. He hasn't been close to that level in quite some time, but at just 30 years old, he is definitely young and fit enough to push for another Grand Slam crown in a relatively wide-open field in 2026.
Daniil Medvedev sweeps past Sebastian Gorzny in the second round of the US Open
ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner didn't play in the event with a knee injury; Novak Djokovic was bounced out in the first round; and Carlos Alcaraz is still working his way back from injuring his wrist in April. He is playing at the US Open, but how fit he is remains to be seen.
What troubled Gorzny against Medvedev is the same thing that has happened to many players against the former No. 1. The Russian doesn't offer immense power, though he has an efficient serve, but instead elite defense and controlled, well-struck groundstrokes. One can overpower Medvedev, but not outthink him.
Sebastian Gorzny doesn't possess the power or defensive ability to scare Medvedev, at least not yet, and he might never have. The Russian, and current ATP No. 8, was using the match more as a tune-up for what could follow. Gorzny, meanwhile, was getting a harsh lesson in the difference between his form and the best that men's tennis has to offer.
The second set was only slightly more competitive than the first. The Russian took the set 6-3, but the American was able to push Medvedev a bit more on his serves. The match wasn't close, but Gorzny should have felt better about his level.
To his credit, Gorzny played much better in the third set, forcing Medvedev into extended rallies and a couple of games that top 10 minutes. The issue is that the Russian is just fine with getting into rallies, and his opponent normally wilts in the end.
That happened to Gorzny at 5-all in set three, getting broken easily. Medvedev was able to hold, though his service games had not been easy in the set. He faced his first break point trying to serve out the match, but he was able to take the third and final set 7-5.
Daniil Medvedev will next take on the winner of the match between Arthur Rinderknech and Jaume Munar in the third round of the US Open. Should the Russian get past that match, he could face Frances Tiafoe in the round of 16.
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