Sabalenka starts title defense with hard-fought win
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her US Open title defense with a straight-sets win over Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova on Sunday. The 7-5, 6-1 victory wasn’t without its challenges—Masarova, ranked 108th, pushed Sabalenka early before the reigning champ found her rhythm.
“I didn’t start my best, but I’m happy to be through,” Sabalenka said after the match. She’ll face unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova in the next round.
Djokovic on track for record 25th Slam
Novak Djokovic made a solid start in his quest for a 25th Grand Slam singles title, defeating 19-year-old American Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2.
The 38-year-old Serbian veteran had to dig deep in the second set, saving a set point before bouncing back with a strong finish. “I still have the flair, I still have the drive—and you guys give me the energy,” Djokovic told the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Medvedev meltdown leads to shock exit
The day’s drama peaked with Daniil Medvedev’s chaotic five-set loss to France’s Benjamin Bonzi. The 13th-seeded Russian lost 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 0-6, 6-4 in a rollercoaster match that saw him rage at the umpire and fire up the crowd after a controversial point in the third set.
Despite clawing back to force a fifth set, Medvedev couldn’t maintain momentum. “It was crazy,” Bonzi said. “Thanks to all those who were booing—that gave me energy in the fifth.”
Southeast Asian history makers shine
There were big moments for Southeast Asia on Day 1.
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Alexandra Eala of the Philippines pulled off a gritty comeback win over 14th seed Clara Tauson, becoming the first Filipino player to win a Grand Slam singles match.
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Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, ranked 149th, upset 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova. She’ll now face Britain’s Emma Raducanu in round two.
“I feel proud to do this for my country,” Tjen said.
Raducanu wins first US Open match since 2021 title
Emma Raducanu made a strong return to Flushing Meadows with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Ena Shibahara—her first US Open match win since her historic run in 2021.
“It’s been four years and this tournament is so special to me,” Raducanu said. She faces a confident Janice Tjen next.
American men keep hopes alive
Home favorites Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton both advanced in straight sets.
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Fritz, last year’s runner-up, beat Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3.
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Shelton cruised past Peru’s Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
The two are leading US hopes to break a 22-year men’s Slam drought—dating back to Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open win.
