Sabalenka Opens US Open Title Defence with Win, Djokovic Advances as Medvedev Crashes Out

Posted : 25 August 2025

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her US Open title defence with a hard-fought win on Sunday, while Novak Djokovic launched his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam triumph. In contrast, Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion, suffered a shock first-round exit on a dramatic opening day at Flushing Meadows.

Sabalenka, aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to claim back-to-back US Open titles, battled through a challenging start before defeating Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The world No. 108 pushed the Belarusian early, but Sabalenka rediscovered her rhythm to secure her place in round two, where she will face Russia’s Polina Kudermetova.

Elsewhere, there was history for the Philippines as Alexandra Eala pulled off a remarkable comeback win against 14th seed Clara Tauson. Eala, just 20 years old, recovered from a 5-1 deficit in the deciding set to win 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13/11), becoming the first Filipino to claim a Grand Slam singles victory.

Indonesia’s Janice Tjen also made headlines by knocking out 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, marking the first time since 2004 that an Indonesian has reached the main draw of a major. Tjen now meets Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who earned her first US Open match win since her 2021 title run by sweeping past Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2.

In the men’s draw, Djokovic showed flashes of his best tennis in a 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory over 19-year-old American Learner Tien. The 38-year-old Serb cruised through the opening set but was forced to save a set point in the second. After receiving treatment for a foot blister, Djokovic regained full control to close out the win in just under two and a half hours. “I still have the flair, I still have the drive and you guys give me the energy,” he told the crowd.

The biggest drama of the night came from Medvedev’s unexpected loss to France’s Benjamin Bonzi. In a match filled with controversy, play was halted for several minutes late in the third set after a photographer disrupted proceedings, sparking a heated protest from Medvedev. Although the Russian fought back to force a fifth set, Bonzi held his nerve to secure a memorable 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 0-6, 6-4 win after nearly four hours.

Meanwhile, American hopes remained alive as Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton both cruised into the second round. Fritz, last year’s runner-up, eased past compatriot Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, while Shelton dispatched qualifier Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. With Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph still the last US men’s Grand Slam title, both Fritz and Shelton are carrying American hopes deep into this year’s tournament.

Sabalenka Opens US Open Title Defence with Win, Djokovic Advances as Medvedev Crashes Out

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics