We are into the quarterfinals of the 2026 United States Open and ESPN deserves some criticism for their overall coverage over the last 10 days. Here is why their television coverage has not been adequate.
1) Missed the end of Gael Monfils/Learner Tien
A week ago Gael Monfils played his last grand slam match of his career when he lost his second round match to American Learner Tien, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. However, ESPN spent significant time analyzing Coco Gauff’s win over Paula Badosa instead of going to live tennis with a video tribute to Monfils after his loss.
2) No mention of the pollution problem at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
One of the biggest stories of the 2026 United States Open has been the pollution problem at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The New York Post did a report on the significant smells from Labour Day weekend that was connected to an alleged sewage problem. ESPN has been focusing on the tennis (which I understand), but they should have had a discussion on the possible health consequences spectators are facing from attending the final major of the year.
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3) Lack of respect to Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.
On Tuesday night, ESPN hyped the men’s quarterfinal match between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton saying it was “The Main Event.” In my opinion it was completely disrespectful to Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, who played outstanding tennis earlier in the evening, with Pegula winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
4) American bias.
Then on Wednesday, Coco Gauff of the United States defeated Mirra Andreeva of Russia, 2-6, 7-6, 6-2. However ESPN showed extensive favouritism toward Gauff throughout the match. In one segment, they addressed Gauff’s two major championships (2023 United States Open and 2025 French Open) but failed to mention that Andreeva won the 2026 French Open.
