Novak Djokovic, the defending US Open champion, expressed his dissatisfaction with late-night matches after his first-round win against Radu Albot. The match, which stretched until midnight, was delayed due to Clara Burel’s comeback win over Sloane Stephens. Djokovic, at 37 years old, admitted that playing late into the night affects his performance and energy levels. Despite the late start, Djokovic managed to secure a victory, although he attributed his rustiness to a lack of warm-up matches on hardcourt.
Djokovic, who recently clinched an Olympic gold medal in singles, emphasized the challenges of transitioning from clay to hardcourt surfaces and expressed the need for more preparation matches. Meanwhile, rising star Coco Gauff showcased a dominant performance in the first round, highlighting her resilience after disappointing outings in Toronto and Cincinnati. On the other hand, former champion Dominic Thiem bid farewell to the tournament as he announced his retirement at the end of the season due to a wrist injury that has plagued his career.
The US Open also witnessed several notable results in the men’s draw, with fourth seed Alexander Zverev securing a comfortable victory in his opening match. American Taylor Fritz advanced to the second round, aiming to become the first American man in nearly two decades to win a Grand Slam title. Other players like Frances Tiafoe and Casper Ruud also made it through to the next round, setting the stage for an exciting competition in the coming days.
In the women’s draw, second seed Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, delivered a convincing performance under the lights, defeating her opponent with ease. Sabalenka, a pre-tournament favorite, is eyeing a historic achievement by potentially winning two hardcourt majors in the same year. Additionally, Chinese players Zheng Qinwen and Wang Yafan showcased their skills on the court, securing important victories in the early rounds of the tournament.
Several other seeded players, including Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova and three-time US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka, advanced in the women’s draw, adding to the excitement of the tournament. As the competition intensifies, fans can expect thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes as the participants vie for the prestigious US Open title. With top players facing off against rising stars, the stage is set for an action-packed and memorable tournament at Flushing Meadows.
