The final Slam of the season is officially underway, and the US Open once again brought the passion, drama, and electricity that only a night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium can deliver. This year marked a historic first, as the opening round was spread across three days, giving fans even more opportunities to witness the world’s best battle it out under the New York lights.
The first round featured commanding performances from the sport’s elite, strong showings from home favorites, and the early exit of a former champion.
Stars Shine Bright on Opening Nights
Defending champion Jannik Sinner opened his campaign in style, showing no lingering effects from the illness that forced him to retire in the Cincinnati final. The Italian looked sharp from the first ball, controlling the baseline with his heavy groundstrokes and clean hitting. He dropped just four games en route to a dominant victory, reinforcing why he remains the man to beat in New York.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 champion, brought his trademark flair and fighting spirit to Arthur Ashe in his first-round match against big server Reilly Opelka. While the second set was closer than he would have liked, the Spaniard quickly regrouped to overwhelm his opponent with relentless speed and creativity. Alcaraz’s mix of power and finesse had the crowd on its feet, and his energy suggests he’s well on course for another deep run at Flushing Meadows.
A four-time champion in New York, Novak Djokovic wasted little time making a statement of his own. Playing under the lights, the Serbian dispatched his first-round opponent with ruthless efficiency, relying on his precision serving and aggression. Although his fitness did not look as sharp as we are accustomed to seeing from him, winning in straight sets and getting much-needed match play under his belt should serve him well as he looks to capture major title No.25 this fortnight.
Strong Start for American Contingent
The local favorites gave fans plenty to cheer about. Taylor Fritz led the charge, delivering a confident performance to book his place in round two. The top-ranked American struck the ball with authority and never looked troubled against a tricky opponent, underlining why he remains the country’s most consistent hope at the majors for now.
Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe all followed suit with strong showings of their own. Shelton brought his explosive serve and fearless shot-making to center stage, while Paul showcased his all-court versatility. Tiafoe, always a crowd favorite in New York, fed off the atmosphere and played inspired tennis to advance to the next round.
In total, 23 American men took part in the first round, with 11 advancing to the second. That depth highlights just how far U.S. men’s tennis has come in recent years, giving the home crowd plenty of their own to cheer on as the tournament unfolds.
Other Top Seeds Make Their Mark
Beyond the headline names and American favorites, the rest of the top seeds largely lived up to expectations. Alexander Zverev was clinical in his opener, showcasing the steady counterpunching game that has made him a regular in the latter stages of Majors. Jack Draper, a semifinalist from last year, handled the occasion well, advancing in four sets in his first singles match in almost two months. Lorenzo Musetti also impressed mightily, as many thought he would lose to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, but despite dropping the opening set, he rallied and closed out the match in four.
Holger Rune, often questioned for his consistency in big tournaments, also earned his first match win in New York since 2022, defeating the tricky Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets.
Limited Upsets but Medvedev Exit Stands Out
The biggest headline from the opening round was the early exit of Daniil Medvedev. The 2021 champion fell in five sets to Benjamin Bonzi, continuing his recent struggles on tour. While the result wasn’t entirely shocking given his dip in form, the match was not without controversy. Medvedev clashed with both the crowd and officials during heated moments, culminating in him smashing his racket repeatedly after the match had ended.
Overall, however, upsets were few and far between. Only four seeded players bowed out in the first round: Medvedev, Ugo Humbert, Alex Michelsen, and Tallon Griekspoor. Compared to other Slams this year, that represents a relatively stable opening, setting the stage for a blockbuster second week if this trend holds through the second and third rounds.
Final Thoughts Heading into the Second Round
The first round of the US Open delivered the thrill that fans expect in New York. With Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic all safely through, and a large group of Americans carrying momentum, the second round promises even more drama under the lights at Flushing Meadows.
As the draw tightens, every match becomes a test of endurance, focus, and nerve. If the opening days were any indication, fans should buckle up as the ride at this year’s US Open is just getting started.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
