The opening rounds of the 2025 US Open have kicked off with high intensity and unexpected twists. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz began his campaign today with a first-round match against American Reilly Opelka. Alcaraz, fresh off his Cincinnati Masters win, is eyeing a third consecutive Grand Slam final showdown with rival Jannik Sinner, who plays his opener against Vit Kopriva tomorrow.
Alcaraz, who won the US Open in 2024, said he’s “relishing the possibility” of facing Sinner again in the final. The two have split the last eight Grand Slam titles between them, drawing comparisons to the legendary Federer-Nadal era.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic made history by securing his 75th consecutive Grand Slam opening-round win, defeating 19-year-old Learner Tien in straight sets (6-1, 7-6, 6-2). Despite battling a foot blister and a time violation, Djokovic showed his trademark resilience and tactical brilliance. “It was a strange kind of match,” he said, reflecting on the contrast between the quick first set and the grueling second.
But the biggest shock came from Daniil Medvedev, who was eliminated in a chaotic five-set thriller against Benjamin Bonzi. The match was interrupted when a photojournalist entered the court between serves, causing a seven-minute delay and sparking a heated exchange between Medvedev and the umpire. The Russian, who won the US Open in 2021, was visibly frustrated and later said, “I was not upset with the photographer. I was upset with the decision”.
Off the court, players have voiced mixed feelings about the US Open’s famously rowdy atmosphere. Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton say they thrive in the chaos, while others like Casper Ruud and Agnieszka Radwanska find the noise, smells, and long commutes draining.
The tournament continues through September 7, with top seeds like Coco Gauff, Holger Rune, and Taylor Fritz also advancing. Fans can expect more fireworks as the second round begins tomorrow.
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