New York: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka began her US Open 2025 campaign with a hard-fought win on Sunday, while American hopes Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton eased through their opening-round matches.

Sabalenka Battles Past Masarova

World No. 1 Sabalenka overcame a slow start before defeating Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Masarova, ranked 108, forced Sabalenka out of rhythm in the opening set, but the Belarusian settled in to complete the job and book her place in the second round.

“Happy to get this win and happy to be in the second round. I didn’t start my best but then I found my rhythm,” Sabalenka said. She will face unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova next.

History for Indonesia’s Janice Tjen

One of the day’s biggest upsets came when Janice Tjen became the first Indonesian in 21 years to feature in a Grand Slam main draw. She marked the occasion with a stunning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova.
Tjen now faces 2021 champion Emma Raducanu, who breezed past Japan’s Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 to register her first US Open victory since her historic title run four years ago.

More Women’s Surprises

Another seeded player to exit was Denmark’s Clara Tauson (14th), who lost 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13/11) to Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in a thrilling contest.

Fritz, Shelton Lead US Charge

On the men’s side, fourth seed Taylor Fritz began strongly, defeating compatriot Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3.
Sixth seed Ben Shelton also impressed with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse. Both are carrying US hopes of a first homegrown men’s singles champion since Andy Roddick in 2003.

Shelton, however, stressed he was not looking too far ahead: “As soon as you start looking ahead, you stumble over your own feet. One game at a time.”

Djokovic, Medvedev Begin Campaigns

Later on Sunday, Novak Djokovic was set to begin his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title against American teenager Learner Tien. Elsewhere, 13th seed Daniil Medvedev faced France’s Benjamin Bonzi, while Spanish 18th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Czech 16th seed Jakub Mensik both advanced comfortably.

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