Aryna Sabalenka Sets the Tone
World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka opened her US Open 2025 campaign in commanding style, defeating Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1. After being tested in the first set, the Belarusian found her rhythm to dominate the second, laying down an early marker for her title ambitions.
Spain’s Nuria Párrizas Díaz was forced to retire at 2-2 in the first set, sending Russia’s Polina Kudermetova into round two without completing the match. Canadian fans celebrated as Leylah Fernandez delivered a polished 6-2, 6-1 win over compatriot qualifier Rebecca Marino, a performance that underlined her ability to thrive under pressure.
New Zealand’s Lulu Sun also advanced after a hard-fought battle, overcoming Colombia’s Camila Osorio 6-4, 2-6, 6-0 in a rollercoaster contest that swung dramatically before Sun raced through the decider.
Breakthroughs and Shock Results
The day’s biggest drama unfolded when 19-year-old Alexandra Eala of the Philippines scored a career-defining win over Denmark’s Clara Tauson, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(13-11). Eala saved multiple match points in a gripping deciding tiebreak to seal her first-ever Grand Slam main draw victory.
Czech qualifier Tereza Valentová also made headlines, defeating Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in her main draw debut. At just 18, Valentová showcased her composure on the sport’s biggest stage.
Emma Raducanu powered past Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2, looking sharp and efficient in her return to New York. Indonesia’s Janice Tjen produced one of the most remarkable results of the day, upsetting 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to become the first Indonesian woman in more than two decades to reach round two of a Slam.
Closing the action in Sabalenka’s quarter, American McCartney Kessler edged Poland’s Magda Linette 7-5, 7-5, while Italy’s Jasmine Paolini advanced with a 6-2, 7-6 win over qualifier Destanee Aiava.
With Sabalenka dominant, Eala and Tjen making history, and Valentová emerging as a new force, her quarter already promises high drama at the 2025 US Open.