US Open first round: Seven key matches
The US Open draw has set up seven intriguing first-round matches, featuring defending champions, returning stars, and potential upsets.
The US Open draw has confirmed seven standout first-round matches for the final Grand Slam of the season. Key storylines include Carlos Alcaraz's return from a right wrist injury, Aryna Sabalenka's title defence under pressure, and Novak Djokovic's quest for a historic 25th major title.
Aryna Sabalenka - Camila Osorio
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka begins her title defence against Colombia's Camila Osorio, who has been ranked as high as 33rd. Sabalenka is on a three-match losing streak against top 20 players and has failed to reach the quarter-finals at her last three tournaments. Osorio has not won back-to-back matches since the French Open.
Sabalenka is expected to win but faces unusual pressure. Elena Rybakina is closing in on her No.1 ranking. Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula also have a shot at the top spot, but they must win the title and hope other results favour them.
Arthur Fery - Lorenzo Musetti
Thirteenth seed Lorenzo Musetti faces British rising star Arthur Fery. Fery reached the Wimbledon semi-finals as a wildcard and has just made his first Tour-level semi-final in Winston-Salem. Musetti has reached the quarter-finals or better at all four majors at least once.
Musetti lost early in Canada but reached the Cincinnati quarter-finals. He is a heavy favourite but could be troubled by Fery's firepower. Musetti is defending quarter-final points and has only lost his US Open opener once in five tries.
Novak Djokovic - Mariano Navone
Novak Djokovic starts his bid for a 25th major against world No.48 Mariano Navone. Navone won his first ATP title on clay in April. Djokovic has extra motivation after an early exit in Cincinnati.
The hardcourt should benefit Djokovic more, as Navone is stronger on clay. Navone has one US Open main draw win. Djokovic has 95. Check the latest fixtures for this match.
Matteo Berrettini - Stan Wawrinka
Stan Wawrinka received a last-minute wildcard after initially missing out. The 2016 champion starts the final Grand Slam of his career against 2019 semi-finalist Matteo Berrettini. They also met in the first round at Wimbledon, where Berrettini won in four sets.
Berrettini has won just one of three matches since Wimbledon. Wawrinka has been playing on the Challenger Tour, winning one match at two events. The winner could play Djokovic in the second round.
Venus Williams - Sofia Kenin
Venus Williams faces fellow wildcard Sofia Kenin. Williams has lost her last 14 singles matches. Kenin was born a year after Williams played her first US Open final in 1997. Kenin is ranked 110th with a 10-14 record this season.
Kenin struggles with consistency but should have the upper hand. For Williams, the test is how effectively and how long she can maintain her powerful ball striking.
Carlos Alcaraz - Roman Safiullin
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returns from a right wrist injury for his first singles event since April. He opens against Roman Safiullin, who can be problematic on his day, as shown by taking a set off Djokovic at Wimbledon.
Alcaraz's current level is unclear after only playing mixed doubles recently. The stern test against Safiullin may not be a bad thing for a player returning from a long injuries layoff.
Daria Kasatkina - Paula Badosa
For the third straight year, former top 10 players Daria Kasatkina and Paula Badosa meet in a major first round. Badosa has not played a Tour match this month after a minor medical procedure. Kasatkina has won only one main draw match in the same period.
Kasatkina is ranked 59th, but Badosa was a US Open quarter-finalist two years ago. Question marks surround both players, making their clash unpredictable.
Source: Ubitennis