US Open—Flushing Meadows, New York
US Open 2025 Day 1 Preview: Djokovic, Sabalenka, Shelton, Pegula Headline Action
Sunday’s results from the 2025 US Open
Sunday’s anticipated opening day action at the 2025 US Open will feature four-time former winner Novak Djokovic taking on Learner Tien from the United States, No. 6 seed Ben Shelton facing Ignacio Buse, defending women’s winner Aryna Sabalenka going up against Rebeka Masarova, and defending finalist Jessica Pegula versus Mayar Sherif.
Djokovic, who hasn’t participated in a tournament since Wimbledon, has indicated that the Grand Slams are his only priority for the remainder of his career. The 38-year-old Serb, who is in search of his 25th career Major, is currently ranked No. 7 in the world.
Djokovic lost in the third-round of the US Open last year to Alexi Popyrin from Australia. Djokoivc currently stands a 29-7 on season and has never played Tien on Tour.
Tien has record a 17-18 record in 2015. He has scored impressive victories of Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev and Shelton this year.
Other matches of note on Sunday will see inform American Shelton take on Buse from Peru. Never playing each other on Tour, Shelton will be the overwhelming favourite to reach the second round.
Shelton recently won his maiden Masters 1000 event in Toronto, Canada over Karen Khachanov from Russia.
Defending finalist and No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz will be in action on Armstrong Stadium against fellow American Emilo Nava.
Fritz, who captured two grass-court titles earlier this year, will have 1200 points to defend during the fortnight.
The 27-year-old hasn’t played his best on hard-courts this season, and will be susceptible to an early upset during the event.
Former champion Daniil Medvedev will take on Benjamin Bonzi, and Miami Open winner Jakub Mensik faces Nicolas Jarry from Chile.
Sabalenka Returns for Title Defense
Looking for her fourth Major title, top seed Aryna Sabalenka returns to the US Open on Sunday with a title defence in mind. The Belorussian remains the best and most consistent player during the 2025 season, and there’s no reason why she shouldn’t be around towards the end of the fortnight.
The 27-year-old has reached the semifinals or better of the three previous Majors this year, but has yet to win one. Sabalenka has three titles on the year and a 50-10 record.
Defending finalist Jessica Pegula will also be in action on Day 1, taking on Mayar Sherif from Egypt. Pegula has won three titles in 2025, and will be looking to finish the season strong after having a mediocre Summer in terms of results.
Pegula and Sherif have never played on Tour.
Other players in action on Sunday will feature former winner Emma Raducanu, No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini, No. 10 seed Emma Navarro, Alexandra Eala, and former finalist and No. 31 seed Leylah Fernandez.
On Monday, former winner Carlos Alcaraz returns to action under the lights against hard-serving American Reilly Opelka.
Alcaraz has made the finals of his last seven events. He recently won the Cincinnati Open when top seed Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to illness.
Two-time former semifinalist Frances Tiafoe returns to his favourite event, facing Yoshihito Nishioka from Japan. No. 5 seed Jack Draper, No. 11 seed Holger Rune, and No. 12 Casper Ruud will also be in action.
On the ladies side, Venus Williams returns to prime time against No. 11 seed Karolina Muchova. Reigning US Open winner Madison Keys highlights the day session against Renata Zarazua, and Montreal Masters winner Victoria Mboko will take on two-time Major winner Barbora Krejcikova from the Czech Republic.
Stay tuned for daily coverage from TennisConnected.com, including match analysis, updated draws, and all the latest results.
Looking to catch the action live? Streaming details for this week’s US Open from Flushing Meadows, New York can be found right here.
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