World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic booked their places in the second round of the US Open on Sunday, overcoming early challenges on the opening day.
Drama, however, unfolded at Flushing Meadows when Daniil Medvedev clashed with the umpire and incited fans during a fiery five-set battle that ended in his shock exit.
Medvedev fell 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 to France’s Benjamin Bonzi after play was delayed for six minutes by rowdy spectators.
The disruption followed a photographer’s premature entry onto the court at match point, prompting the umpire to allow Bonzi another first serve. Medvedev, enraged by the decision, confronted the official and further unsettled the atmosphere.
The 2021 champion managed to save match point, snatched the third set in a tiebreak, and swept the fourth, but Bonzi regained composure to seal a dramatic victory.
“The energy was wild. Thanks to all the ones booing. I gave everything in the fifth,” Bonzi said afterwards.
Sabalenka dispatched Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Court, adjusting well to the tournament’s extended 15-day schedule.
“I didn’t choose to play on Sunday, but it’s great if you win. You get an extra day off,” she said.
Djokovic began his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 victory over American teenager Learner Tien. The win marked his 75th consecutive first-round triumph at Grand Slam events – a record in the Open Era.
American hopes Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton advanced comfortably. Fritz defeated compatriot Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, while Shelton, a 2023 semi-finalist, eased past Peru’s Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Emma Raducanu, winner in 2021, beat Japan’s Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 to reach the second round for the first time since her title run.
Canada’s Leylah Fernandez swept compatriot Rebecca Marino 6-2, 6-1, while Wimbledon 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova edged Russia’s Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 7-6(3).
Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia defeated China’s Wang Xiyu 6-4, 6-3, and Jessica Pegula powered past Egypt’s Mayar Sherif 6-0, 6-4.
There were surprises as Indonesia’s Janice Tjen upset 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, becoming the first Indonesian to win a Grand Slam main draw match in 22 years. She will face Raducanu next.
The Philippines’ Alexandra Eala also thrilled the crowd, rallying from 1-5 in the third set to beat Denmark’s Clara Tauson 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(11).
(NAN)