US Open 2025 Men’s Day 1

Taylor Fritz kicked off the defence of his final from last year, defeating fellow southern Californian Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 on Sunday to reach the US Open second round.

Fritz sent over 11 aces and broke on six of his 10 chances against the No. 101 who owns three Challenger titles this season.

.“There’s a little bit of [pressure and expectation]. It’s never easy coming out to what is the most important tournament for Americans all year,” Fritz said.

“There’s definitely going to be a bit of nerves. Once I get into the matches, get into the first couple of rounds of the tournament, then there’s the confidence that comes in.”

Fritz put his big game into gear after claiming the opening set, winning 16 of 18 points on serve to dominate the afternoon match.

Compatriot Ben Shelton began his big push at Flushing Meadows with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 defeat of Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse on the showcase court.

Shelton, who reached the Cincinnati quarters after winning the Toronto title this month, claimed his 10th win of the last 11 matches with his trip to the second round.

“It’s starting to feel like home for me. This is the best court in tennis,” Shelton said.

The Floridian advanced with said 35 winners and 32 unforced errors. “It’s my favorite place to play. 

“My favorite court, favorite tournament. Opening day, first match, there is always a little bit of nerves, but I’m really happy I came out here and did my thing.”

ATP No. 6 Shelton has already broken records at his home major, becoming the  youngest American men’s semi-finalist here two years ago since Michael Chang in 1992.

Italian Luca Darderi, playing in the last of the seeded positions at No. 32. proved his worth with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 defeat of Rinky Hijikata.  The Australian was coming back from injury after last competing six weeks ago in Washington where he had to quit a match.

.Alejandro Davidovich Fokina shot out of the blocks to complete an early iwn, crushing Alexander Shevchenko 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, taking just 89 minutes to dispatch the No. 89.

It was the 12th first-round win for the Spaniard in his last 13 matches at the majors. 

In other opening day results, Czech teen Jakub Mensik put out Chile’s Nicolas Jarry, 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-4, thanks in part to 40 unforced errors from the South American taking just under two and a half hours to book the New York third round for the second time in three editions

“I’m glad I stayed focused the whole match,” the No. 16 winner said. “The end of the first set was important and gave me confidence in the next sets.”

He will be hoping for lightning to strike twice in the US after winning Miami five months ago with defeats of top 10 contenders Fritz and Novak Djokovic.

Main photo:-Ben Shelton winning first round match – Mark Greenwood/ISF