By Ben Phillips
The opening round of the 2025 US Open wasted no time in delivering the kind of shocks, drama, and talking points that only a Grand Slam can conjure. From Daniil Medvedev’s dramatic early exit to gritty American wins, from Aryna Sabalenka’s relentless start to Madison Keys’ stunning upset, the first round had everything. With the world’s best players scattered across the courts of Flushing Meadows on a hot, humid first 3 days in New York, the action set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling fortnight of tennis.
Medvedev Crashes Out in a Five-Set Thriller
The headline shock of the opening round was the departure of 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev, who fell 6-3, 7-5, 6-7, 0-6, 6-4 to France’s Benjamin Bonzi. It was a contest that had everything: momentum swings, high-quality shot-making, and controversy at the very end.
Medvedev, seeded fourth, looked rattled for much of the match, struggling to find rhythm against Bonzi’s aggressive, flat-hitting baseline game. After clawing back from two sets down and storming through the fourth set 6-0, it looked as if the Russian was going to complete a vintage comeback. But Bonzi steadied himself, and when match point arrived in the fifth, the match’s defining controversy unfolded.
On that final point, Bonzi missed his first serve, only for a cameraman to step onto the court at the back of the baseline, prompting the umpire to halt play and award Bonzi a new first serve. The Frenchman promptly delivered and moments later sealed victory.
Medvedev’s frustration boiled over as he smashed his racket at his bench, furious at what he deemed an unfair intervention. While the decision will be debated for days, the fact remains that Bonzi held his nerve in one of the biggest wins of his career, while Medvedev leaves New York far earlier than anyone expected.
For a man who lifted the trophy here just four years ago and has been a perennial contender ever since, the loss is a major blow. For Bonzi, though, it represents a breakthrough moment, the kind of match that could define his career trajectory.
American Stars Shine: Fritz and Shelton Cruise
For the home fans, there was plenty to cheer about. Taylor Fritz, last year’s finalist, made a composed start to his campaign with a straight-sets victory over compatriot Emilio Nava, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3. While the scoreline suggests control, Nava pressed hard early, particularly in the first set, before Fritz’s experience and superior firepower told.
Fritz has quietly developed into one of the most consistent players on the ATP Tour, and with the backing of the New York crowd, he looks well-placed for another deep run. His serving was sharp, his forehand penetrative, and most importantly, he seemed fresh despite a long summer schedule.
If Fritz’s performance was clinical, Ben Shelton’s was explosive. The 22-year-old sixth seed, fresh from winning his first Masters 1000 title at the National Bank Open, continued his hot streak by dismantling Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Shelton’s lefty serve thundered down at over 140mph, and his willingness to step inside the baseline and dictate points was overwhelming for Buse.
Shelton is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous players in the men’s game, particularly on hard courts, where his athleticism and firepower make him a nightmare opponent. With Medvedev out of the draw, Shelton’s chances of a deep run have only increased.
Djokovic Steady but Tested Early
At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic remains a fixture at the sharp end of every Slam, and his campaign began with a straight-sets victory over American teenager Learner Tien, 7-6, 6-1, 6-2.
The opening set was far from comfortable. Tien, fearless on the biggest stage of his young career, went toe-to-toe with Djokovic, forcing a tiebreak that showcased the veteran’s unrivalled ability to stay calm under pressure. Once Djokovic edged the breaker, his control grew, and he closed out the match with characteristic efficiency.
The big question surrounding Djokovic is whether he can still manage the physical and mental toll of two weeks at Slam level. With Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz entering as co-favourites, Djokovic is perhaps the third name on most people’s lists. But if there is one lesson the past two decades have taught, it’s to never rule him out.
Sabalenka Makes Statement Start
On the women’s side, top seed Aryna Sabalenka opened her campaign with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Spain’s Rebeka Masarova. The scoreline may not have been flawless, but Sabalenka once again showed why she has become such a force in early slam rounds.
Remarkably, despite her dominance over the past 18 months, Sabalenka has not won a Grand Slam title since lifting the trophy here in New York last year. She admitted in the build-up to this event that the pressure of expectation had weighed heavily at times, but her start here suggested a renewed sense of purpose.
Sabalenka’s power game was on full display, with 20 winners in 81 minutes, and although Masarova briefly troubled her in the opening set, the world number one quickly raised her level. If she can sustain this form, Sabalenka will once again be in the mix deep into the second week.
Keys Knocked Out in Epic Battle
If Sabalenka’s win was routine, Madison Keys’ loss was anything but. The Australian Open champion, who had hoped to back up her Melbourne triumph with another hard-court run, fell 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 to Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in one of the matches of the day.
It was a battle of wills as much as skill. Keys had her chances, particularly in the deciding set, but Zarazua’s mental resilience was extraordinary. Time and again, she dug in, producing clutch serves and fearless winners under pressure.
The victory represents one of the biggest upsets of the year. Zarazua, not typically considered a hard-court threat, showed that belief and tenacity can overcome even the heaviest of hitters. For Keys, it is a bitter disappointment: to lose in the opening round of the Slam on the very surface she had conquered just months ago will sting deeply.
Swiatek, Andreeva, and Venus: Stories Across the Women’s Draw
Iga Swiatek, chasing her first US Open crown since 2022, made a confident start with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Emiliana Argo. The world number two has often admitted that the noise and energy of New York can be overwhelming, but on day one, she looked composed and ruthless, striking 26 winners and breaking serve four times.
Elsewhere, Mirra Andreeva once again showcased her prodigious talent, dismantling Alycia Parks 6-0, 6-1 in just 55 minutes. At only 18, Andreeva continues to mature into one of the most dangerous young players on tour, and her tactical variety was too much for the American. Many in the sport believe she could be a Slam champion within the next two years, and her performance here will only fuel that hype.
A story that tugged at the heartstrings came from Venus Williams, who at 45 continues to compete at the highest level. The seven-time Grand Slam champion fell 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 to Karolina Muchova, but her second-set resurgence brought Arthur Ashe Stadium to its feet. While her chances of going deep are long behind her, Venus’ determination to keep competing at the very highest level remains inspirational.
Alcaraz Handles Opelka’s Challenge
World number two Carlos Alcaraz faced one of the trickiest opening-round assignments of the men’s draw in big-serving American Reilly Opelka, but the Spaniard came through 6-4, 7-5, 6-4.
Opelka, standing 6’11”, rained down 14 aces, but Alcaraz absorbed the pressure and responded with his trademark all-court brilliance. His ability to neutralise Opelka’s serve with deep, looping returns and then turn defence into attack was the difference.
Alcaraz looked sharp physically and mentally, a crucial factor after a long summer. With Medvedev already gone, his half of the draw looks clearer, though he will know that in New York, nothing is ever guaranteed.
Sinner Strolls into Round Two
The other major favourite, Jannik Sinner, began his campaign with a devastatingly clinical 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 win over Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva. The world number one, fresh from winning his first Wimbledon crown earlier this summer, showed no signs of the illness that forced him to retire in Cincinnati when trailing Carlos Alcaraz 5-0 in the final.
Sinner’s movement, precision, and timing were on full display as he wrapped up the match in just over 90 minutes. For many, Sinner enters this US Open as the favourite to retain his title, and his first-round performance only reinforced that view.
The Italian has spoken openly about managing his health better and pacing himself across long seasons, and if he can maintain this physical condition, he will be incredibly hard to stop.
Round Two: Matches to Watch
With the second-round set, fans can look forward to several intriguing battles:
- Jannik Sinner vs Alexei Popyrin: The Australian may not have Sinner’s consistency, but on his day, his booming serve and forehand make him one of the most dangerous floaters in the draw. If Sinner is slightly off his game, Popyrin has the tools to make this interesting.
- Iga Swiatek vs Suzan Lamens: Swiatek will be heavily favoured, but Lamens’ unorthodox style and ability to change pace could offer an early test. For Swiatek, maintaining focus and intensity will be the priority.
- Carlos Alcaraz vs Mattia Bellucci: An all-Spanish-speaking battle, though Bellucci carries the Italian flag. He’s a rising star with a flashy game, but facing Alcaraz under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows will be a whole new challenge. Expect fireworks.
- Novak Djokovic vs Zachary Svajda: The young American will relish a chance to play on Arthur Ashe against the legend himself. Djokovic will be expected to come through, but Svajda’s quick baseline game and youthful energy might push the veteran in patches.
Conclusion
Day 1 of the 2025 US Open reminded us why this Slam is unique. It is loud, chaotic, unpredictable, and unforgiving, and it delivers theatre like no other. From Medvedev’s dramatic exit to Venus’ enduring spirit, the opening round had it all.
With Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek all advancing, alongside rising stars like Ben Shelton and Mirra Andreeva, the tournament is set up beautifully. And with blockbuster round-two clashes already on the horizon, the journey is only just beginning.
