Post by : Meena Ariff

The US Open kicked off with excitement, drama, and surprising results as top players Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic advanced to the second round. However, the tournament also saw chaos on Louis Armstrong Stadium when Daniil Medvedev lost his temper and the crowd disrupted play, turning a tense match into an unforgettable scene.

Medvedev’s Explosive Match Against Bonzi

The biggest story on the opening day was the dramatic clash between Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, and French player Benjamin Bonzi. Medvedev appeared to be in control, but the match took a dramatic turn in the third set. A photographer accidentally entered the court during Bonzi’s match point, and chair umpire Greg Allensworth awarded Bonzi another first serve due to the disturbance.

Medvedev was furious. He shouted at the umpire and gestured toward the crowd, which further distracted Bonzi during his service. Despite this, Medvedev managed to save the match point and won the third set in a tiebreak. He dominated the fourth set, winning it 6-0, and set up a tense deciding fifth set.

Ultimately, Bonzi stayed focused and composed himself to claim a remarkable 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 victory. Reflecting on his win, Bonzi said, “The energy was wild. Thanks to all the ones booing. Thanks for the energy in the fifth. It was a crazy match point in the third, a crazy scenario. I was exhausted in the fourth set. I gave what I had in the final set. That’s a crazy win.”

Sabalenka and Djokovic Advance Smoothly

World number one Aryna Sabalenka played in front of a cheering Arthur Ashe crowd, defeating Swiss player Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1. Sabalenka spoke about the new US Open schedule, saying, “I didn’t choose to play on Sunday, but if you win the match, it feels great. You have an extra day off, which can be good and bad. I like it, but it only works when you win the match.”

Novak Djokovic, aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title, also advanced in the first round, defeating Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2. His victory marked his 75th consecutive opening-round win at Grand Slam events since tennis turned professional in 1968, showcasing his incredible consistency and skill under pressure.

American Stars Shine

American men’s players Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton recorded strong first-round victories. Fritz, last year’s finalist, beat Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3. Shelton, who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2023, defeated Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Both players are among the brightest hopes to end the 22-year wait for a US male champion at the tournament, following the success of American women in recent years.

Women’s Matches See Notable Wins

Former champion Emma Raducanu reached the second round for the first time since her 2021 victory. She defeated Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2. Raducanu said, “I felt different coming into it this year. I felt like I was doing the right things day to day, but it’s always in the back of your head. I’m pleased to have overcome that.”

Other women’s winners included Leylah Fernandez, who beat Rebecca Marino 6-2, 6-1, and Marketa Vondrousova, who defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 7-6(3). Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko won 6-4, 6-3 against Chinese qualifier Wang Xiyu, and last year’s New York finalist Jessica Pegula overcame Mayar Sherif 6-0, 6-4.

Surprise Victories Highlight the Day

The opening day of the US Open also produced surprising results. Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen defeated 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, marking Indonesia’s first Grand Slam main draw win in 22 years. Alexandra Eala of the Philippines thrilled the crowd by coming back from 1-5 in the deciding set to beat Denmark’s 14th seed Clara Tauson 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(11).

New 15-Day Format and Its Impact

This year, the US Open is being played under a new extended 15-day format. First-round singles matches are now spread from Sunday to Tuesday instead of two days, giving fans more access to top players and reducing scheduling pressure. The new system allows an additional 70,000 spectators to attend.

Players, however, have mixed feelings. Some appreciate the extra rest days, while others feel it can affect rhythm if a player loses after a long wait. Sabalenka mentioned the pros and cons, emphasizing that winning makes the extra day off beneficial, while losing could lead to frustration.

The US Open’s opening day combined thrilling victories, historic achievements, and dramatic moments. Fans witnessed Medvedev’s fiery meltdown, Bonzi’s stunning upset, and the consistent brilliance of stars like Sabalenka, Djokovic, and Raducanu. With unexpected upsets and emerging young talents, the tournament promises excitement, unpredictability, and memorable tennis over the next two weeks.