The 2024 US Open commenced with dominant performances from reigning champions and top seeds. Jannik Sinner, the men’s world number one, launched his title defense with a resounding victory over Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva. Sinner, aiming to become the first man to secure consecutive US Open titles since Roger Federer’s five-year reign from 2004-2008, showcased his exceptional form, dispatching Kopriva in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1, 6-2. Relieved to have recovered from a recent injury that forced his retirement from the Cincinnati Open final, Sinner expressed his joy at returning to the scene of his previous triumph, emphasizing his focus on starting the tournament strong and recreating the magic of his 2023 victory. His next challenge will be Alexei Popyrin in the third round.
Iga Swiatek, the women’s top seed and reigning champion, mirrored Sinner’s commanding performance, delivering a swift 6-1, 6-2 defeat to Colombian qualifier Emiliana Arango. Swiatek’s powerful groundstrokes and adept net play proved too much for her opponent, solidifying her position as a tournament favorite. The victory marked a historic milestone for Swiatek, as she surpassed Monica Seles’ record of 64 consecutive first-round wins at WTA-level events, extending her streak to 65. Interestingly, Swiatek’s on-court dominance was overshadowed in the post-match press conference by news of pop star Taylor Swift’s engagement, a topic that captivated the “Swiftie” Swiatek, who expressed her joy for the singer. Swiatek will now face Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands in the second round.
While Sinner and Swiatek enjoyed comfortable starts, Coco Gauff, the 2023 women’s singles champion, faced a far more arduous path to the second round. In a dramatic encounter lasting nearly three hours, Gauff battled past Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in three sets, 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 7-5. Plagued by unforced errors, double faults, and broken serves, Gauff admitted to feeling mentally exhausted due to a tumultuous lead-up to the tournament, including a last-minute coaching change aimed at improving her serve. Despite the challenging match, Gauff expressed satisfaction with the win and acknowledged the improvement in her performance compared to the previous week.
In contrast to Gauff’s struggle, two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka enjoyed a smoother return to the court she considers her “home.” The Japanese star, seeded 23rd, defeated Belgium’s Greet Minnen in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, relishing the familiar and supportive atmosphere of the New York crowd. Osaka, a former world number one, will next face American Hailey Baptiste in the second round.
On the men’s side, third seed Alexander Zverev navigated a tricky first-round encounter against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo. Zverev, determined to avoid a repeat of his early exit at Wimbledon, overcame a set point in the second set to secure a 6-2, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 victory. The German, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, displayed resilience and determination, ultimately breaking Tabilo’s serve in the final game to seal his progression to the next round.
The opening rounds of the US Open showcased a mix of dominant performances and hard-fought battles. Sinner and Swiatek, both defending champions, asserted their authority with emphatic victories, while Gauff demonstrated her fighting spirit in a grueling three-set triumph. Osaka’s return to her beloved New York court was marked by a confident win, and Zverev overcame a challenging opponent to avoid an early upset. The tournament promises to deliver more exciting matches and compelling storylines as the pursuit of Grand Slam glory intensifies.
