Sabalenka, Djokovic advance as Medvedev meltdown creates chaos at US Open
The opening day of the U.S. Open delivered compelling tennis from top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic as both champions successfully navigated through to the second round. However, the Grand Slam tournament was overshadowed by extraordinary scenes involving former champion Daniil Medvedev, whose explosive confrontation with match officials and subsequent crowd disruption created unprecedented chaos at Flushing Meadows on Sunday.
The dramatic incident unfolded during Medvedev's grueling five-set encounter against Benjamin Bonzi on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where the Russian's 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 0-6 6-4 defeat was marred by controversy and crowd interference. New York's notoriously passionate tennis fans caused a six-minute suspension of play by persistently jeering and booing, refusing to allow the match to continue normally.
The chaos began when a photographer prematurely entered the court after Bonzi had missed his first serve while holding match point at 5-4 in the third set. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth made the decision to award the Frenchman another first serve due to the disturbance, a ruling that sent Medvedev into a furious rage against the official.
The 2021 U.S. Open champion's explosive reaction succeeded in whipping up the already volatile crowd atmosphere, creating such a hostile environment that a visibly shaken Bonzi was unable to serve effectively. Despite the pressure, Medvedev managed to save the match point and eventually claimed the third set in a tiebreak before completely dominating the fourth set 6-0 to force a decisive fifth set.
However, the Frenchman demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude to regroup and secure what he described as a dramatic victory. "The energy was wild. Thanks to all the ones booing. Thanks for the energy in the fifth," Bonzi remarked after his triumph. "It was crazy match point in the third. A crazy scenario. I was exhausted in the fourth set. I gave what I had in the final set. That's a crazy win."
The tournament's innovative extended 15-day format meant that first-round singles action was spread across Sunday through Tuesday, rather than the traditional two-day schedule. This scheduling change allowed the tournament to accommodate an additional 70,000 spectators while distributing the star attractions more evenly throughout the opening rounds.
World number one Sabalenka embraced the unique Sunday start time, using the enthusiastic Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd to fuel her 7-5 6-1 victory over determined Swiss opponent Rebeka Masarova. "I didn't choose to play on Sunday, but if you win the match, it feels great. You have an extra day off, which can be good and bad. I've got used to it. I like it," the Belarusian explained.
"But it only works when you win the match. Imagine if you finish the tournament on Sunday. Then you can be a little bit frustrated with the scheduling," she added pragmatically.
Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a hard-fought 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2 victory over Learner Tien under the lights. Despite having ample recovery time following his Wimbledon semi-final appearance, the Serbian legend had to elevate his performance to overcome the challenge in draining nighttime conditions.
This victory marked a historic achievement for Djokovic, making him the first player since tennis turned professional in 1968 to win 75 consecutive opening-round matches at Grand Slam tournaments, underscoring his remarkable consistency at the sport's biggest events.
American hopes received a boost as both Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton registered comfortable first-round victories. Last year's U.S. Open finalist Fritz defeated fellow American Emilio Nava 7-5 6-2 6-3, while 2023 semi-finalist Shelton cruised past Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse 6-3 6-2 6-4.
Both fourth seed Fritz and sixth seed Shelton have emerged as the nation's brightest prospects to end a 22-year drought for American men at their home Grand Slam, following in the footsteps of their successful female counterparts who have long carried the torch for American tennis excellence.
Emma Raducanu, who captured global attention as the first qualifier to win the tournament four years ago, successfully moved into the second round for the first time since lifting the trophy. The British star overcame Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1 6-2 in a confident display.
"I did feel different coming into it this year," Raducanu reflected, having previously suffered first-round exits in 2022 and 2024. "I felt like I was doing the right things day to day, but still, it's in the back of your head. So I'm just very pleased to have overcome that."
Canada's Leylah Fernandez, who reached the final four years ago before losing to Raducanu, dispatched compatriot Rebecca Marino 6-2 6-1. Meanwhile, 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova advanced with a 6-3 7-6(3) victory over Oksana Selekhmeteva.
Former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko progressed smoothly with a 6-4 6-3 triumph over Chinese qualifier Wang Xiyu, while last year's New York runner-up Jessica Pegula began her campaign with a comprehensive 6-0 6-4 win against Mayar Sherif.
The opening day also produced several notable upsets and breakthrough moments. Qualifier Janice Tjen created history by earning Indonesia's first victory in a Grand Slam main draw in 22 years, defeating 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4 4-6 6-4 to set up an intriguing second-round encounter with Raducanu.
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines provided one of the day's most thrilling comebacks, electrifying the Grandstand crowd by battling back from a 1-5 deficit in the deciding set to defeat Denmark's 14th seed Clara Tauson 6-3 2-6 7-6(11) in an epic encounter.
SportsLigue