Day 1 of the US Open kick-started with a flurry of action as the big names eased past the first hurdle, setting a tone for an exhilarating tournament. Likes of Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Gregor Dimitrov, and Andrey Rublev all booked their places in the second round with Dominic Theim’s Grand Slam career coming to an end after first-round defeat to Ben Shelton.
Men’s Results
Defending champion Novak Djokovic hardly broke a sweat as he cruised to a straight-set victory against Moldovan Radu Albot 6-2 6-2 6-4 to book his place in the next round. Gael Monfils came from a set behind to defeat Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman by 6-7(2) 6-2 6-2 6-1, who bid farewell to the Flushing Meadows.
Ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria crushed Kyrian Jacquet 6-3 6-4 6-2 and Russian sixth seed Andrey Rublev saw off a challenge from Thiago Seyboth Wild to win 6-3 7-6(3) 7-5.
12th seed Taylor Fritz defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli 7-5 6-1 6-2. Italian 18th seed Lorenzo Musetti was involved in a titanic three-hour battle with America’s Reilly Opelka but it was the Italian who came out on top winning 7-6(3) 1-6 6-1 7-5
Australia’s Dominic Theim had announced that this year’s US Open would be the last of his career due to suffering from a wrist injury. However, his last Grand Slam did not go exactly to plan as he exited from the very first round, losing to Ben Shelton in straight sets by 6-4 6-2 6-2.
Women’s Results
In the women’s results, America Coco Gauff began her title defense with a straightforward over Varvara Gracheva by 6-2 6-0. The American came into her home Grand Slam on the back of a disappointing Paris Olympics, losing in the third round. However, a strong opening-round performance in the US Open will do her confidence a world of good as she looks to defend her title and return to the summit of women’s tennis.
In the other results, Erika Andreeva defeated China’s Yuan Yue 6-3, 7-6 (7), and 7th seed Zheng Qinwen beat America’s Amanda Anisimova by 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Another home favorite Madison Keys saw off a challenge from Katerina Siniakova beating the Czechin 6-4, 6-1, and former world no. 1 Victoria Azarenka came from behind to beat Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-1, 6-1.
US Open 2024: Day 2 Preview
On day 2 of the US Open 2024, Carlos Alcaraz will face a tricky test against Australia’s Li Tu and 11 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas will face qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis.
However, all eyes will be on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Jannick Sinner will face Mackenzie Mcdonald in Round 1. The world No. 1 tested positive for a banned substance but somehow managed to escape the ban, drawing mixed reactions from the critics.
In the women’s matches, world no, 1 Iga Swiatek will play Kamilia Rakhimova and 4th seed Elena Rybakina will face qualifier Destanee Aiava. Jenena Ostapenko will face Japan’s Naomi Osaka and French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini will lock horns with Bianca Andreescu.
Read More: Most Men’s US Open Title Wins
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
