Pinnacle Gazette

Anisimova, Kostyuk, Fils, and Michelsen Set for 2026 Stars of the Open

The exhibition during US Open Fan Week features top players and rising stars to benefit youth tennis programs

Category: Sports

Amanda Anisimova, Marta Kostyuk, Arthur Fils, and Alex Michelsen have been announced as the latest additions to the lineup for the 2026 Stars of the Open presented by Chase, a fan-favorite exhibition event during US Open Fan Week. This exhibition will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, featuring a mix of established stars and rising talents from the ATP and WTA Tours.

The event will showcase a total of four one-set matches, with the following order of play: Anisimova vs. Kostyuk, Joao Fonseca vs. Learner Tien, Alexandra Eala vs. Iva Jovic, and Arthur Fils vs. Alex Michelsen. This exciting lineup promises to deliver thrilling tennis, appealing to fans of all ages.

The inclusion of Anisimova, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, adds considerable star power to the exhibition. She is a two-time Grand Slam finalist, having finished as the runner-up at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025. Kostyuk, ranked No. 11, has made headlines this year by reaching the semifinals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, solidifying her status as one of the top players on the tour.

The stars of the show

Alongside Anisimova and Kostyuk, Fils and Michelsen represent the next generation of tennis talent. Fils has already claimed four tour-level titles, with his most recent victory coming in Barcelona this spring. He also reached the semifinals in Madrid, showing his potential to compete at the highest levels. Michelsen has made waves on the circuit as well, having reached three finals and notable victories over established players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Karen Khachanov. He made a strong impression at the 2025 Australian Open, advancing to the fourth round before falling to Alex de Minaur.

The exhibition also features Alexandra Eala and Joao Fonseca, who have gained popularity for their electrifying playing styles. Eala, the champion of the Washington, D.C. tournament, and Fonseca will be cheered on by their passionate Filipino and Brazilian fans, respectively. Meanwhile, Iva Jovic and Learner Tien, both ranked in the Top 20 and hailing from southern California, made headlines with their Cinderella runs to the quarterfinals at the 2026 Australian Open.

The impact of the event

The Stars of the Open exhibition promises to deliver high-quality tennis and serves a greater purpose. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the USTA Foundation, the national charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association. This foundation supports the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, which encompasses over 270 organizations dedicated to using tennis as a means to help young people from under-resourced communities succeed in life. Through academic support and mentorship programs, the NJTL network provides opportunities for more than 233,000 young individuals to develop into well-rounded adults.

As the event approaches, fans can look forward to watching the matches live on ESPN+ in the U.S., with additional international broadcasting details to be announced. The excitement surrounding the Stars of the Open is building, especially among tennis enthusiasts eager to see their favorite players in action.

What's next for the players

In addition to participating in the Stars of the Open, many of the players involved are actively competing in other tournaments leading up to the US Open. For example, Kostyuk recently faced off against Madison Keys at the National Bank Open in Toronto, where she showcased her skills by winning decisively in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1. This victory boosts her confidence and keeps her momentum going as she approaches the US Open.

Meanwhile, Anisimova, who has had a stellar season, will be looking to build on her previous Grand Slam experiences as she prepares for the upcoming tournament. With her track record as a finalist, expectations are high for her performance in New York.

Fils and Michelsen, both young and dynamic, will also be aiming to make their mark at the US Open. Their participation in the exhibition serves as an opportunity to gain experience and exposure on a prestigious stage, which could prove invaluable for their careers.

As the tennis community gears up for the US Open, the Stars of the Open exhibition stands out as a highlight of Fan Week, combining entertainment with a commitment to nurturing future generations of tennis players.

The excitement surrounding the event is set to culminate on August 27, 2026, when fans will witness a unique blend of talent and passion at Arthur Ashe Stadium, all in support of a worthy cause.