On August 24, 2025, at the opening day of the U.S. Open, reigning women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka and tennis legend Novak Djokovic both secured smooth first-round victories—only for the day’s drama to culminate in a chaotic match involving former champion Daniil Medvedev.
Sabalenka and Djokovic Shine in Opening-Round Wins
World No. 1 Sabalenka began her title defence confidently by defeating Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova with a score of 7-5, 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Reflecting on playing on Day 1 of the newly extended 15-day tournament, Sabalenka admitted: “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”.
Djokovic, too, impressed. Facing 19-year-old Learner Tien, the Serbian maestro prevailed 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 in testing conditions under the lights. This win marks his 75th consecutive first-round Grand Slam victory, an unmatched feat in the Open Era.
Besides the top seeds, other notable progressions included American talents Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, plus Emma Raducanu, Leylah Fernandez, Marketa Vondrousova, and Jelena Ostapenko, all moving on to the second round. Upset highlights featured Indonesia’s Janice Tjen and the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala. Tjen notched her country’s first Grand Slam main-draw win in 22 years, while Eala battled back from 1–5 down in the final set to triumph in an epic tiebreaker..
Medvedev’s Match Descends into Mayhem
The crescendo of Sunday’s action came during the late-night match between Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi on Louis Armstrong Stadium. With Bonzi serving for the match at 5–4 in the third set, a photographer inadvertently entered the court early, interrupting play. The chair umpire, Greg Allensworth, decided to replay the point, granting Bonzi a first serve due to the disturbance.
Medvedev erupted in anger—scolding the umpire on-court and riling up the notoriously rowdy New York crowd. The ensuing boos and chants created a six-minute delay, as Bonzi struggled to compose himself for his serve. Medvedev savoured the moment, fighting off match point, seizing the third set in a tense tiebreak, and “bageling” Bonzi 6-0 in the fourth, leveling the match.
But in the deciding fifth set, Bonzi steadied his nerves to claim a sensational comeback victory 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4. After the match, Bonzi credited the crowd’s energy: “The energy was wild. Thanks to all the ones booing. Thanks for the energy in the fifth”.
Other coverage reports added further colour: Medvedev allegedly directed mocking gestures at officials, smashed his racquet in frustration, and referenced previous fines and perceived unequal treatment by umpiring staff—culminating in yet another volatile performance at his home Grand Slam. Sabalenka
A Day of High Drama and Mixed Fortunes
Sabalenka and Djokovic emerged as composed winners, maintaining momentum for their Grand Slam ambitions and demonstrating why they’re elite. In contrast, Medvedev’s outburst not only overshadowed his match but also became the defining moment of opening day—with controversy, crowd chaos, and a shocking early exit from the tournament.
First-day matches also set the tone for the revamped 15-day format, designed to accommodate more spectators and spread marquee matches throughout the week—an experiment that began Sunday and seems poised to reshape the tournament’s flow.
As the event continues, all eyes will be on Sabalenka’s title defence and Djokovic’s quest for a record-breaking 25th major. Meanwhile, Medvedev, once a favorite, will surely spend time reflecting on what went wrong in one of the most tumultuous early exits in recent Grand Slam history.
Let me know if you’d like in-depth analysis on any of the other standout performances or upcoming potential matchups!
