The US Open got off to a thrilling start as Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic both secured opening-round victories on Sunday.
Sabalenka, the defending champion, overcame early resistance from Rebeka Masarova before powering through 7-5, 6-1. The Belarusian star is chasing a rare repeat at Flushing Meadows, something last achieved by Serena Williams over a decade ago. “I didn’t start my best, but I found my rhythm,” she said after setting up a second-round clash with Polina Kudermetova.
On the men’s side, Djokovic wasted little time reminding New York why he remains a force. The Serbian legend, aiming for his 25th Grand Slam, dispatched American teenager Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6, 6-2, thrilling a packed Arthur Ashe crowd. “I still have the flair, I still have the drive,” Djokovic declared.
The day also belonged to Southeast Asia. Alexandra Eala created history by becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam singles match, rallying from 1-5 down in the third set to stun 14th seed Clara Tauson. Indonesia’s Janice Tjen also struck big, ousting Veronika Kudermetova in three sets.
Emma Raducanu returned to winning ways in New York, defeating Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 for her first US Open win since her fairytale 2021 title.
For the Americans, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton eased through their openers, keeping alive hopes of a first homegrown men’s champion since Andy Roddick in 2003.