US Open day one delivered shocks and storylines — Carlos Alcaraz chases the crown, Cameron Norrie believes upsets are possible, and Valentova, Bronzetti & McCartney Kessler all turn heads. Read the full preview & recap.
What happened on US Open day one
The 2025 US Open swung into action with a mix of expected opening wins and attention-grabbing upsets. Carlos Alcaraz walked into Flushing Meadows as one of the marquee contenders, Cameron Norrie brought quiet confidence to his section of the draw, and several lower-ranked players — notably Tereža Valentova and McCartney Kessler — produced the kind of main-draw moments that make Grand Slams irresistible. On day one, Emma Raducanu also cruised into round two, a reminder that big names can still steal headlines early.
Background: Stakes, format and why this US Open feels different
This edition of the US Open (Aug 24–Sept 7) arrives with a few defining dynamics: an expanded schedule, record prize money, and a men’s draw dominated by the “Sincaraz” duo (Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz). That narrative — two young rivals repeatedly trading the biggest trophies — frames the tournament as a potential generational handshake (or collision) at Flushing Meadows. Bettors and analysts have written Sinner and Alcaraz near the top of the market, but as the opening day shows, Grand Slams still produce surprises.
Carlos Alcaraz: form, draw and what to expect
Carlos Alcaraz arrives off an electric season — titles, form and the kind of confidence that makes him a legitimate favorite in any slam. The draw places him in a tough half (a potential path that includes Novak Djokovic in the semis), but his opening match-up is a winnable one on paper. Expect Alcaraz to mix brutal baseline acceleration with court-tilting defense; his task early on is to keep intensity high and avoid being drawn into sloppy, nervous nights early in the fortnight. Analysts peg him as one of the tournament favorites, and his recent build-up suggests a player ready to chase another major.
Ben Shelton Highlights & US Open Day 1 Recap
American Ben Shelton, the tournament’s No. 6 seed and newly minted world No. 6 — reflects his career-best ranking as of August 4, 2025 — kicked off the US Open tennis 2025 with a confident straight-set win over qualifier Ignacio Buse. Shelton’s performance showcased his powerful serve and effective net play, setting a strong tone for his run in New York.
In a boost for American hopes to end the men’s Grand Slam drought, Shelton is recognized by analysts as a key contender. Alongside peers Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul, he’s part of a group expected to challenge for the title amid a more open field now that dominating names like Federer and Nadal have faded.
Meanwhile, daily US Open scores — including Shelton’s results — are available via ESPN’s live scoreboard and tournament schedule page, offering real-time updates on match outcomes and next appearances.
Looking ahead, Shelton will again feature prominently in US Open tennis 2025 schedule, playing the first match on Arthur Ashe Stadium opening Sunday — a testament to his rising star status.
Cameron Norrie: the Brit who thinks upsets are on the menu
Cameron Norrie has long been a player who thrives on structure, discipline and the ability to grind opponents down. Entering the US Open, he was bullish in his assessment that top seeds like Sinner or Alcaraz “can definitely be beaten” — a posture of belief rather than hubris. Norrie’s early match-up is one he can win, and if his physical game and patience hold, he can be the type of opponent who quietly upends favorite narratives. For bettors and fans looking beyond the two most talked-about names, Norrie is the archetype of a dangerous outsider.
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Day-one surprises: Valentova downs Bronzetti; Kessler outlasts Linette
Two of the headline items from opening day were Tereža Valentova’s victory over Lucia Bronzetti and McCartney Kessler’s tight win over Magda Linette. Valentova — who came through qualies — upset the Italian Bronzetti in a result that underlines how Slam qualifiers arrive battle-ready and sometimes peg established tour players on the hop. Meanwhile, American seed McCartney Kessler (No.32) held firm in a 7-5, 7-5 win over Linette to reach round two, a valuable payday and momentum spike for a young touring pro. These outcomes are precisely why day-one coverage never feels routine: new names emerge, and the depth of the women’s draw is on full display.
Match context & tactical notes — why these upsets happened
- Qualifier rhythm vs. main-draw rust: Qualifiers like Valentova arrive after three hard matches; that match-toughness often beats a main-draw player still shaking off off-season cobwebs. Valentova’s intensity in rallies and willingness to redirect pace forced Bronzetti out of her rhythm.
- Pressure of the big stage: For seeds like Linette, early pressure and tight moments can swing sets. Kessler’s composed two-breakaway holds in both sets spoke to poise at the clutch moments—an underrated skill at Slams.
- Alcaraz’s consistency vs. volatility: On the men’s side Alcaraz’s baseline command and improved serve limit the kind of errors that let lower-ranked opponents in; he’s the kind of top seed who clamps down as rounds progress if his serve and return stay sharp.
The bigger picture: betting markets, draw dynamics and potential dark horses
Bookmakers still favor Sinner and Alcaraz at the top of the market, but history and day-one results remind us that the Open is fertile ground for long shots. Analysts name players like Tiafoe, Khachanov or Tsitsipas as possible range bets — but quiet grinders like Norrie represent tactical upset chances, especially if indoor or late-night conditions favor consistency over flash. The other takeaway: qualifiers will keep biting through the first week, and the women’s draw in particular has a famously low tolerance for predictability.
Player micro-focus
Tereža Valentova
A Czech teenager with a growing reputation for fearless qualifying runs, Valentova’s win over Bronzetti is a breakthrough moment — a main-draw victory at a Slam that can reframe a season. Watch how she manages pressure in round two; qualifiers often need to balance fatigue with confidence.
Lucia Bronzetti
A seasoned tour competitor, Bronzetti will be disappointed but not out of form; tournaments are cyclical and a single loss, while costly at Slams, often prompts quick tactical reboots from experienced camps.
McCartney Kessler
The American 32-seed made a solid statement by beating Magda Linette in two tight sets. Kessler’s mixture of steady baseline play and clutch serving under pressure suggest she can extend this run if the draw opens — and she’ll have American crowd support in her corner.
Carlos Alcaraz & Cameron Norrie (again)
Alcaraz has the tools to rattle off the rounds; Norrie has the temperament to cause upsets. Both men will dictate different storylines across the fortnight: Alcaraz the headline act, Norrie the spoiler (or surprise semifinalist) if form holds.
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How to watch & follow live updates
- TV & streaming: ESPN / ABC / ESPN+ (U.S.), Sky Sports (UK) for live coverage and center-court action.
- Live scores & in-depth stats: ESPN’s scoreboards and the official US Open site provide live stats, point-by-point logs and order of play. For in-game xG and analytics, services like SofaScore and Tennis Majors publish rapid match packages and previews.
What to expect next: early matchups and the first week arc
Expect the first week to separate the measured favorites from the weekend surprises. Sinners and Alcaraz will be tested by seeds and dangerous floaters alike; watch the second week for matchups that really matter: potential Sinner vs. Alcaraz friction points, and where qualifiers such as Valentova might either bow out or deepen their runs. The tournament’s narrative will be a blend of headline rivalries and the human stories — comebacks, debuts, and surprise runs by previously unheralded names.
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