Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton kept American hopes flying high at the U.S. Open, as the year’s final major kicked off a day earlier than usual on Sunday.
Under the new extended 15-day format, first-round singles action will be contested from Sunday to Tuesday, rather than two days as in previous years, allowing access for another 70,000-odd spectators.
The extra crop of local ticketholders was treated to compelling wins from 2024 finalist Fritz, who beat compatriot Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, and 2023 semifinalist Shelton, who downed Peru’s qualifier Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
The fourth seed Fritz and the sixth seed Shelton have emerged as two of the brightest hopes to end a 22-year U.S. men’s drought at their domestic major, as their women’s counterparts have long carried the torch for American tennis.
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There were a handful of surprises, as qualifier Janice Tjen earned Indonesia its first win in a Grand Slam main draw in 22 years when she knocked out 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines got the crowd on their feet as she battled back from 1-5 in the deciding set to defeat Denmark’s 14th seed Clara Tauson 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(11) in a nerve-searing affair at the Grandstand. She became the first Filipino player to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam in the professional era.
“It was so, so difficult. This match is one for the books for me,” said Eala.
Published on Aug 25, 2025
