The 2025 US Open is currently in session, and so far, we’ve witnessed some major action from players in the final grand slam event of the year. Here’s a quick update on the progress of some players so far.
Novak Djokovic remains a strong contender, despite showing signs of physical struggle, as he chases his 25th grand slam title. In his first-round match, Djokovic defeated American Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6(7-3), 6-2, overcoming some physical challenges and securing his 75th consecutive Grand Slam first-round win. In the second round, Djokovic came back from dropping the first set to beat Zachary Svajda 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, advancing comfortably to the third round.
Carlos Alcaraz has impressed with solid straight-set victories. In the second round, he defeated Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 with clinical precision, moving into the third round without dropping a set at the tournament so far.
Jannik Sinner made a strong start to his US Open title defence. He won his first-round match convincingly against Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, showing no signs of the recent illness that forced him to retire in Cincinnati and withdraw from mixed doubles. In the second round, Sinner took victory over Alexei Popyrin, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, extending his hard-court Grand Slam winning streak to 23 matches.
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff faced a tough first-round match against Ajla Tomljanović. Even though she made 10 double faults and 56 unforced errors, Gauff managed to win 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5.
The 2023 US Open champion is now preparing for her second-round match against Donna Vekić. What’s been observed by critics is that her service has somewhat improved, and this could make the difference for her in the tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka has started her campaign strongly. She won her first-round match 7-5, 6-1 against Rebeka Masarova and followed it by defeating Polina Kudermetova 7-6(4), 6-2 in the second round.
Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back titles at Flushing Meadows.
Naomi Osaka began her 2025 US Open campaign with a strong first-round victory against Greet Minnen, winning 6-3, 6-4, following that up with a straight-set victory against Hailey Baptiste.
The two-time US Open champion is looking more composed and playing better than she has been in recent events.
A prominent incident involved Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend during their second-round match. Townsend defeated Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1, but the match ended in controversy.
Ostapenko accused Townsend of lacking class and education due to Townsend not apologising for benefiting from a lucky net cord during the match, an unwritten tennis etiquette gesture.
Townsend responded strongly, refusing to tolerate disrespect and refusing to have her status as a professional undermined.
