US Open’s first day has served up many things from early victory to late-night drama, as Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic advanced into the second round before Daniil Medvedev’s outburst against an umpire threw proceedings into turmoil.
World number one Sabalenka shook off a sluggish start to overcome Swiss challenger Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Belarusian admitted she was not thrilled with the scheduling change that sees first-round action stretched over three days under the tournament’s new 15-day format, but said the extra day off can be a blessing — provided players win.
“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’ve got used to it. I like it,” she said. “But it only works when you win the match. Imagine if you finish the tournament on Sunday. Then you can be a little bit frustrated with the scheduling.”
Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, also found himself tested by American teenager Learner Tien before sealing a 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 win. Battling in humid evening conditions, the Serb extended his remarkable record by becoming the first player in the Open Era to win 75 consecutive opening-round matches at the majors.
But the spotlight shifted dramatically later in the night when Medvedev’s clash with Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi descended into pandemonium. The 2021 champion grew furious after chair umpire Greg Allensworth awarded Bonzi a replay of his first serve on match point in the third set, ruling that a photographer entering the court had caused a disturbance. The decision sparked an angry reaction from Medvedev, who berated the umpire and engaged with the crowd, triggering a six-minute delay as fans jeered and booed.
Medvedev somehow turned the momentum in his favor, saving the match point and forcing a tie-break, which he won. He then swept the fourth set 6-0 to set up a decider. However, Bonzi regained his composure to take the fifth set 6-4, sealing one of the biggest wins of his career. “The energy was wild. Thanks to all the ones booing. Thanks for the energy in the fifth,” Bonzi said. “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.”
There were more bright moments for the home crowd, as Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton both made commanding starts. Fritz, last year’s finalist, defeated Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, while Shelton eased past qualifier Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. The two young Americans continue to fuel hopes of ending the U.S. men’s two-decade-long Grand Slam drought.
Among the women, Emma Raducanu made a victorious return, beating Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the second round for the first time since her fairytale triumph in 2021. “I did feel different coming into it this year,” she said. “I felt like I was doing the right things day to day, but still, it’s in the back of your head. So I’m just very pleased to have overcome that.”
Elsewhere, Leylah Fernandez, Marketa Vondrousova, Jelena Ostapenko and Jessica Pegula all booked safe passage. Indonesia’s Janice Tjen pulled off a historic upset by beating 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova, delivering her country’s first Grand Slam main-draw win in over two decades. Meanwhile, Alexandra Eala of the Philippines thrilled fans with a stunning comeback from 1-5 down in the deciding set to defeat Clara Tauson.
From upsets and meltdowns to steady progress from the sport’s biggest stars, the opening day in New York had it all — setting the stage for a gripping fortnight at Flushing Meadows.
