Image source: US Open 2024
The 2024 US Open kicked off on August 26 with a series of exhilarating matches that set a vibrant tone for the tournament ahead. Tennis fans were captivated by commanding performances from some of the sport’s biggest stars, showcasing their skill and determination on the world stage. Alongside these expected victories were a few surprising upsets, reminding everyone of the sport’s inherent unpredictability. As the first day unfolded, it became clear that this year’s US Open is poised to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce competition.
Men’s Singles Highlights
Image source: Novak Djokovic erases another epic Roger Federer record with latest US Open win
In the men’s singles, Novak Djokovic, the defending champion and second seed, demonstrated his unmatched prowess on the court by defeating Radu Albot in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. Djokovic, a crowd favorite, seemed in complete control throughout the match, using his signature precision and relentless baseline play to keep Albot on the defensive. This win not only reinforced Djokovic’s status as a top contender but also highlighted his readiness to secure yet another Grand Slam title.
Another standout was Alexander Zverev, the fourth seed, who overcame a brief hiccup to defeat Maximilian Marterer in four sets. Zverev’s 6-2, 6(5)-7, 6-3, 6-2 victory demonstrated his resilience and ability to bounce back after losing the second set in a tight tiebreak. Zverev’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline shots were too much for Marterer, who struggled to find answers as the match progressed.
Andrey Rublev, the sixth seed, also advanced with a solid win over Thiago Seyboth Wild, finishing with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3), 7-5. Rublev’s match was a display of consistent power hitting and tactical play, particularly in the second set tiebreak, where he managed to outmaneuver his opponent to take control of the match.
American fans had much to cheer for as Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, both seeded 12th and 13th respectively, secured wins. Fritz easily handled Camilo Ugo Carabelli with a 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 win, while Shelton eliminated former US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a decisive 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 match. Shelton’s victory was particularly significant, as Thiem, once a dominant force in the sport, is now set to retire after this final Grand Slam appearance following years of injury struggles.
Women’s Singles Highlights
Image source: Djokovic shines under the lights, Gauff rolls as US Open champions open with victories
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff, the third seed and defending champion, opened her campaign with a commanding 6-2, 6-0 win over Varvara Gracheva. Gauff, who won her first major title at last year’s US Open, looked confident and sharp, a far cry from her recent struggles in other tournaments. Gauff attributed her success to focused practice sessions, which helped her regain her rhythm and confidence ahead of the tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, also cruised through her first-round match, defeating Priscilla Hon 6-3, 6-3. Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play were on full display, signaling her intent to challenge for the title.
Another noteworthy performance came from Zheng Qinwen, China’s rising star and Olympic gold medalist, who overcame a tough challenge from Amanda Anisimova. After losing the first set, Zheng rallied to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, showing her resilience and ability to adjust her game plan mid-match. Her victory was a reminder of her potential to go deep in the tournament, especially following her impressive year, which included reaching the final of the Australian Open.
However, it wasn’t smooth sailing for all the seeds. Maria Sakkari, the ninth seed from Greece, was forced to retire after losing the first set to Wang Yafan, marking a disappointing early exit for a player who has consistently been a contender in major tournaments.
Looking Ahead
As the first day of the US Open concluded, fans were left with plenty to anticipate. The tournament’s early stages have already delivered a mix of expected victories and unexpected challenges, setting the stage for more high-stakes matches. With both men’s and women’s top seeds like Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner yet to take the court, the excitement is sure to build as the tournament progresses.
The 2024 US Open promises to be a showcase of tennis at its finest, with established stars defending their legacies and new talents eager to make their mark on one of the sport’s biggest stages( myKhel ,US Open, Las Vegas Sun).