US Open day 3 tips: best bets across both draws

US Open day 3 tips give you another opportunity to find value across the men's and women's singles draws as the first round continues at Flushing Meadows. With both draws featuring Grand Slam contenders, established hard-court specialists and dangerous outsiders, there are plenty of markets to consider beyond simply backing the biggest names.

Day 3 of the 2026 US Open falls on Tuesday, September 1, with men's and women's singles first-round matches scheduled across the day and evening sessions.

The key to successful tennis betting is not simply identifying who you think will win. You also need to decide whether the available price represents genuine value. That means looking at recent form, hard-court performance, fitness, playing style and the specific matchup before placing your bet.

What to look for in the US Open Day 3 betting markets

The opening rounds of a Grand Slam can create some interesting betting opportunities. Rankings often dominate the market, but they do not tell the whole story.

A highly ranked player returning from injury or lacking recent match practice may be vulnerable, while a lower-ranked opponent with strong hard-court form can provide an attractive alternative.

The US Open's outdoor hard courts also place a premium on serving, returning and first-strike tennis. Players who can protect their serve while consistently putting pressure on their opponent's second serve can be particularly appealing in handicap and total-games markets.

Before committing to a bet, check the latest tennis betting odds at Sportsbet.io and compare the price across the markets available.

US Open Day 3 tips: men's singles

Carlos Alcaraz is one of the biggest names in the men's draw and enters the tournament as defending champion and top seed following Jannik Sinner's withdrawal. Sinner withdrew because of a persistent right-knee injury, leaving Alcaraz as the leading name at the top of the draw.

However, Alcaraz presents an interesting betting situation. His quality is not in question, but his return to competitive singles action after a wrist injury means fitness and match sharpness deserve consideration.

That does not automatically make him a player to oppose. Instead, look at the price and consider whether a game handicap or straight-sets market offers better value than the outright winner market.

Men's match-winner angle

The match-winner market remains the simplest option when a player has a clear advantage in form, fitness and matchup. Look for favourites who have:

• Strong recent hard-court results
• Reliable first-serve numbers
• A significant return advantage
• Good physical condition
• A favourable opponent stylistically

Alexander Zverev is another player worth monitoring. He arrives in New York as the 2026 French Open champion and is among the leading contenders in the men's field.

Rather than automatically backing a favourite at a short price, compare the moneyline with the handicap. If you expect a dominant performance, covering the games spread may provide a more attractive return.

Men's underdog value

Day 3 can also be an opportunity to find value among the outsiders.

Don't choose an underdog simply because the odds look large. Instead, look for players whose recent hard-court performances suggest the market may have underestimated them.

A player with a strong return game can be particularly interesting against a big server, while an opponent who struggles to protect their second serve can become vulnerable to a game handicap.

US Open Day 3 tips: women's singles

The women's draw provides another strong selection of potential betting angles.

Aryna Sabalenka heads the field and is attempting to win a third consecutive US Open title. Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are among the other major contenders, while the tournament also contains several dangerous players capable of upsetting higher-ranked opponents.

Sabalenka's power makes her one of the most obvious players to consider, but again, the price is crucial. A short match-winner price may offer limited value if the handicap market provides a more appealing route.

Women's handicap betting

Game handicaps can be particularly useful when you expect a favourite to control the match.

A powerful player facing an opponent who struggles under pressure can create opportunities for a handicap bet. If the favourite is expected to break serve regularly, covering a moderate games line can offer more value than simply backing the player to win.

Coco Gauff is another name to watch closely on home soil. The American is a former US Open champion and has already demonstrated that she can handle the pressure and conditions in New York.

However, always assess the specific opponent rather than relying on tournament history alone.

Women's total-games markets

Total games can provide an alternative angle when you expect a closely contested match.

Consider the over when both players have reliable serves and neither has an obvious return advantage. A competitive first set can quickly push a match towards a high total, particularly if both players are capable of forcing tiebreaks.

Conversely, an under can be attractive when one player has a significant advantage in power, movement or return quality.

Best US Open Day 3 bets to consider

Depending on the confirmed matchups and prices, these are the main markets worth investigating:

• Match winner: The straightforward option when form and matchup clearly favour one player.
• Game handicap: Useful when you expect a favourite to win comfortably but the outright price is too short.
• Total games: Consider overs for closely matched players and unders where one competitor has a significant tactical advantage.
• Set betting: This can be useful if you have a strong view on whether a favourite will win in straight sets.
• Live betting: Watch the opening games before committing to a position. Serve speed, movement, shot quality and body language can reveal information that was not reflected in the pre-match price.

You can check the latest live tennis betting markets on Sportsbet.io if you prefer to assess the match once play has started.

Why live betting could be important on Day 3

Tennis is one of the sports where live betting can provide valuable additional information.

A pre-match favourite may look strong on paper but struggle to hold serve once the match begins. Equally, an underdog can quickly demonstrate that they are striking the ball well enough to challenge the market expectation.

The important point is to avoid betting simply because a price has moved. You should have a reason for taking the new price.

Sportsbet.io provides live tennis markets, allowing you to reassess your position as matches develop.

Critical gaps to consider before publishing your Day 3 bets

One of the biggest gaps in generic US Open betting content is failing to connect the recommendation to the actual market.

A good tips article should not simply say that a particular player is likely to win. You should explain why the price may offer value, what market provides the best opportunity and what could go wrong with the selection.

Your final version should therefore be refreshed once the official Day 3 order of play is confirmed. Check:

• Confirmed opponents
• Player fitness and withdrawals
• Recent hard-court form
• Head-to-head record
• Current Sportsbet.io odds
• Game handicaps
• Total-games lines
• Straight-set markets
• Any relevant weather or scheduling concerns

This is particularly important in 2026 because the men's field has already been affected by major withdrawals, including Sinner.

Sportsbet.io can also strengthen this content opportunity by providing more prominent tournament-specific landing pages, player-form information and clearly surfaced WTA US Open match markets alongside its existing tennis betting coverage.

You can browse upcoming tennis matches at Sportsbet.io to see where the next betting opportunities are developing.

US Open Day 3 betting checklist

Before placing any bet, ask yourself:

• Have you checked the confirmed Day 3 matchup?
• Have you reviewed recent hard-court form?
• Is the player fully fit?
• Does the current price represent value?
• Would a handicap or totals market offer better value?
• Have you considered the player's opponent and playing style?
• Have you set a betting budget before starting?

Responsible gambling

Tennis betting should be treated as entertainment rather than a way to make money.

Only bet what you can afford to lose and set a budget before the day's action begins. Never chase losses by increasing your stakes, and avoid placing bets simply because you feel you need to recover money from an earlier result.

If betting stops being enjoyable or starts affecting your finances, relationships or everyday life, take a break and seek independent support. Remember that there is no guaranteed bet, regardless of how strong a selection may appear.

US Open day 3 tips: FAQs

When is US Open Day 3?

US Open Day 3 takes place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with men's and women's singles first-round matches scheduled during the day and evening sessions.

What are the best US Open Day 3 bets?

The best bets depend on the confirmed matchups and available prices. Match winners, game handicaps, total games, straight-set markets and selected live bets are the main options to compare.

Should you bet favourites or underdogs at the US Open?

Neither is automatically better. You should compare the player's form, fitness, hard-court record, matchup and current odds before deciding whether the favourite is fairly priced or an underdog offers better value.

Can you bet on the US Open live?

Yes. Sportsbet.io offers live tennis markets, allowing you to reassess matches once play has started. However, live prices can move quickly, so you should decide your betting limits before entering the market.

Find your US Open Day 3 bets

Ready to follow the action? Check the latest tennis odds at Sportsbet.io and compare the available US Open markets before placing your bets. For matches already underway, explore Sportsbet.io's live tennis betting markets and follow the action as the Day 3 schedule unfolds.