The opening day of the 2025 US Open had all the ingredients of a blockbuster tennis spectacle: smooth victories for the tournament’s biggest stars, a fresh scheduling twist, and a chaotic controversy that lit up Flushing Meadows.
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, two of the sport’s most dominant forces, successfully navigated their opening-round hurdles to advance to the second round. But it was Daniil Medvedev’s fiery meltdown in the late-night session that stole the headlines and left fans buzzing about one of the wildest match-day scenarios in recent Grand Slam history.
Sabalenka Shows Her Resilience
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who entered the tournament as one of the top favorites, was handed a tricky opener against Swiss challenger Rebeka Masarova. For much of the opening set, Masarova stood toe-to-toe with the Belarusian, forcing Sabalenka to dig deep before eventually securing the set 7-5. From there, the match swung heavily in the top seed’s favor as she powered through the second set 6-1, feeding off the roaring Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
While the win was routine on paper, Sabalenka admitted afterward that the new extended 15-day US Open format took some adjustment.
“I didn’t choose to play on Sunday,” she said with a grin. “But if you win, it feels great because you get an extra day off. It can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. I’ve gotten used to it, and honestly, I kind of like it. But imagine finishing your tournament on a Sunday that would definitely be frustrating.”
For Sabalenka, the win provided not only momentum but also the chance to regroup and reset before her next challenge in New York.
Djokovic Extends His Incredible Record
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, also faced an early test under the lights in his opening-round clash with American teenager Learner Tien. Djokovic breezed through the first set 6-1, but Tien’s fearless play pushed the Serbian great into a tense second set, which ultimately ended in a tiebreak. Djokovic, with his trademark composure, locked in when it mattered most, claiming the breaker 7-3 before cruising through the third set 6-2.
The victory was more than just another step toward his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title. It marked his 75th consecutive win in Grand Slam opening-round matches an astonishing milestone that underscores his unparalleled consistency at the sport’s highest level since the professional era began in 1968.
In humid, energy-sapping conditions, Djokovic showed he still possesses the physical endurance and mental sharpness that have defined his career. His blend of patience and aggression proved too much for the promising American, who gained invaluable experience despite the loss.
Medvedev’s Meltdown Steals the Show
But while Sabalenka and Djokovic delivered professional, composed performances, Daniil Medvedev brought the drama. Facing Benjamin Bonzi of France, Medvedev found himself embroiled in chaos late in the match when a photographer entered the court prematurely on match point at 5-4 in the third set.
The disruption led chair umpire Greg Allensworth to grant Bonzi another first serve a decision that enraged Medvedev. The Russian let his frustration boil over, lashing out at the official and whipping the crowd into a frenzy. His antics rattled Bonzi momentarily, and Medvedev seized the momentum, saving match point, snatching the third set in a tiebreak, and then handing his opponent a bagel in the fourth.
It looked like Medvedev had staged another classic Flushing Meadows comeback. But Bonzi, refusing to crumble, dug deep in the deciding set. Regaining his composure, the Frenchman rediscovered his rhythm and ultimately sealed a dramatic upset victory.
“The energy was wild,” Bonzi said after the match. “Thanks to all the ones booing thanks for the energy in the fifth. It was a crazy match point in the third, a crazy scenario. I was exhausted in the fourth set, but I gave everything I had in the final. That’s a crazy win.”
A Wild Opening Day
With the US Open now spread over three days in the first round, organizers hoped the change would allow more fans to enjoy marquee matchups. They certainly got more than they bargained for.
Day One had it all dominant champions showing their class, young stars earning priceless lessons, and a former Grand Slam winner melting down in front of a stunned crowd. If the rest of the fortnight continues at this level of drama, tennis fans are in for an unforgettable tournament.