Top seeds Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner launched their U.S. Open campaigns with commanding victories on Tuesday, setting the tone for an electrifying tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Fresh off her Cincinnati triumph, Wimbledon champion Swiatek dismantled Emiliana Arango 6-1, 6-2 in just 60 minutes, not facing a single break point. Reflecting on the vibrant New York atmosphere, she noted, “This city’s energy is intense, but I’ve learned to embrace it better each year.” Swiatek advances to face Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands in the second round.
Men’s world No. 1 and reigning champion Sinner delivered a masterclass, overpowering Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, thrilling the Flushing Meadows crowd. Playing with renewed determination following a 2024 doping controversy that saw no ban despite two failed tests, Sinner said, “I’m focused on bringing my best to the court.” He’ll take on Australia’s Alexei Popyrin next.
With early matches wrapping up swiftly, organizers moved 21st seed Linda Noskova’s match to center court, where she edged out Hungary’s Dalma Galfi 6-4, 7-5 to progress.
Coco Gauff, the American star, battled through a rollercoaster night match, overcoming Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5. Despite double-faulting twice while serving for the match, Gauff rallied to secure the win. “My serve’s a work in progress, but I’m grinding through,” she admitted, crediting new coach Gavin MacMillan for her progress. Gauff will face Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic of Croatia in the next round.
Naomi Osaka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, marked her comeback with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Belgium’s Greet Minnen, captivating fans in a sparkling red Nike outfit. “I wanted to shine under the lights,” Osaka said with a smile. She’ll don her day kit for her next match.
On other courts, Lorenzo Musetti outlasted France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 at Louis Armstrong Stadium, setting up a clash with David Goffin. Eighth seed Amanda Anisimova cruised past Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2, while former champion Marin Cilic fell to 23rd seed Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 on Grandstand.
American Tommy Paul, seeded 14th, dispatched Denmark’s Elmer Moller 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, earning a second-round matchup with Portugal’s Nuno Borges. Closing the day, third seed Alexander Zverev defeated Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-4 and will next face British qualifier Jacob Fearnley.
The U.S. Open is off to a sizzling start, with top players and rising stars delivering a tennis spectacle for the ages.
