The US Open’s newly expanded schedule delivered a packed slate of matches on Tuesday, but two of the sport’s biggest names wasted no time stamping their authority.
Swiatek Cruises Past Arango
Top seed Iga Swiatek barely broke a sweat in her opening match, dismantling Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour. The Polish star, who recently claimed the Cincinnati title and is eyeing her second US Open crown, never faced a break point in the routine win.
New York’s chaotic energy, she admitted afterward, remains a challenge.
“Every year is tough because New York is just so loud,” she said. “But I’m probably better than most at finding my bubble off the court.”
Swiatek will face Dutch qualifier Suzan Lamens in the second round.
Sinner Shows No Rust Despite Past Controversy
Men’s top seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner was just as ruthless, crushing Czech Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2. The Italian, who entered last year’s tournament under the cloud of a doping investigation but ultimately avoided a suspension, was greeted warmly by the New York crowd as he advanced to face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin next.
Gauff Survives a Scare Under the Lights
Coco Gauff provided the night’s drama. The American fan favorite overcame a shaky serving performance—including back-to-back double faults while serving for the match—to edge Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 in a tense three-setter.
Gauff, who recently added biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan to her team in an effort to fix her serve, will take on Olympic silver medallist Donna Vekic in round two.
Osaka Back in Style, Noskova Shines on Ashe
Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka looked sharp, defeating Belgium’s Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4 while debuting a bold, crystal-studded Nike outfit. Earlier, rising Czech star Linda Noskova made the most of a late court switch to Arthur Ashe, beating Dalma Galfi 6-4, 7-5.
Mixed Results for Former Champions
The first week’s trend of early exits for big names continued. After Daniil Medvedev’s surprise departure on Sunday, 2014 winner Marin Cilic was dismissed in straight sets by Alexander Bublik, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.
Meanwhile, third seed Alexander Zverev closed the night with a 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-4 win over Alejandro Tabilo, setting up a clash with Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.
Americans Advance, Musetti Battles Through
US men’s hope Tommy Paul cruised past Denmark’s Elmer Moller 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, while compatriot Amanda Anisimova dismantled Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2. Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti had to dig deeper, rallying past giant server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets to earn a meeting with veteran David Goffin.