Raducanu and Shelton Shine on Opening Day of US Open 2025
The first day of the 2025 US Open delivered all the excitement fans had been waiting for, with Emma Raducanu and Ben Shelton setting the tone in emphatic style. The tournament, often seen as the grand finale of the tennis season, opened with energy, drama, and plenty of storylines to follow.
Emma Raducanu, who famously won this tournament back in 2021, returned to New York with a point to prove. She hadn’t managed to win a match here since that historic breakthrough, but today she swept aside qualifier Ena Shibahara of Japan in just over an hour. The scoreline told the story—6-1, 6-2—a commanding performance from the British player. Shibahara, better known for her doubles play, struggled to cope with Raducanu’s power and precision from the baseline. Raducanu herself admitted afterward that it was about managing her game and staying composed, and she certainly did that. For her, it was not only a victory but also a reminder that she can still bring her best tennis to the biggest stage.
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Meanwhile, on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the American crowd had plenty to cheer about. Ben Shelton, one of the country’s brightest young stars, powered through his first-round match against Peru’s Ignacio Buse. With his thunderous serve and relentless aggression, Shelton wrapped it up in straight sets—6-3, 6-2, 6-4. The crowd loved every moment, especially when he acknowledged both the atmosphere of Ashe, calling it “the best court at the best tournament,” and gave a nod to his girlfriend, US soccer star Trinity Rodman, who had flown in overnight to support him. Shelton’s win reinforced the idea that he is becoming not just a player to watch, but one who could go deep into this year’s draw.
Elsewhere, the defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka began her campaign under the lights. Wearing a striking silver jacket during warmups, she wasted no time in stamping her authority on her match against Rebeka Masarova. Although Masarova showed flashes of resistance, Sabalenka’s trademark power was quickly on display. It was clear she intends to make another strong run here.
Taylor Fritz, America’s top male seed, also got off to a confident start. Last year’s runner-up looked sharp against compatriot Emilio Nava, securing the early sets with ease and reminding fans that he has unfinished business in New York.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Novak Djokovic headlined the late session against 19-year-old American Learner Tien. It was billed as a clash of generations: Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, against Tien, a rising star with nothing to lose. The buzz around this matchup was electric, with many wondering if the veteran would be tested by youthful energy and home support.
All in all, day one of the 145th US Open had a little bit of everything—dominant performances, future stars stepping up, and big names setting the stage. It feels like this year’s edition is already building into something memorable, and if today was any indication, fans are in for two thrilling weeks in New York.
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