New Delhi: Novak Djokovic muscled past local hope Learner Tien in the opening round of the US Open on Sunday, launchi of his latest quest for a record 25th major title with a 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2 win.
The 38-year-old seventh seed displayed his supreme tenacity to prevail under lights at the Arthur Ashe stadium.
Defending Aryna Sabalenka was tested before she progressed to the US Open’s second round while Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino tennis player to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam in the professional era.
Sabalenka overcame Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova 7-5 6-1 at the Arthur Ashe stadium and will next face Russia’s Polina Kudermetova in the second round on Wednesday.
“When I won that first set and you cheered for me, I got goosebumps. Your support means a lot to me, thank you for coming. It was an amazing atmosphere,” the Belarusian said.
2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3 7-6(3) while Leylah Fernandez beat Rebecca Marino 6-2 6-1. Former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko sailed past qualifier Wang Xiyu 6-4 6-3.
Eala makes history
Philippines’ Eala stunned 14th seed Clara Tauson in the opening round to make history for her country.
She trailed 5-1 in the third set but turned it around to beat her Danish opponent 6-3 2-6 7-6 (11) after saving two match points.
“It means a lot, I think you could see by my reaction. Everything just made it so special – from who I was playing to the crowd, it was amazing. I’m so blessed to be the first to do this. I take so much pride in representing my country.
“I’m so blessed to be the first to do this. It makes what I do bigger than myself, and it ads meaning to what I do,” Eala said later.
In 2022, the 20-year-old had become the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title, winning at Flushing Meadows.
In another first, Janice Tjen beat 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4 4-6 6-4 to became the first Indonesia to win a match at a major in 22 years. She next faces 2019 champion Emma Raducanu, who 6-1 6-2 against qualifier Ena Shibahara.
“I feel proud to be able to do this for my country. Hopefully like this, by me making appearance here, will inspire more tennis players, like, younger kids to play tennis and also believing that they can be here too,” Tjen said.