The final Grand Slam of the year burst into life at Flushing Meadows, serving up a classic opening day mix of British heartbreak and commanding displays from the sport's titans.
Britain's number one, Katie Boulter, saw her US Open campaign end at the first hurdle in a gruelling three-set battle against Germany's Tatjana Maria. The match, a rollercoaster of momentum swings, lasted over two and a half hours on the humid New York courts.
Boulter started strong, leveraging her powerful groundstrokes to seize the first set. However, the experienced Maria, renowned for her slice backhand and tactical nous, staged a formidable comeback. She relentlessly targeted the Boulter backhand, disrupting her rhythm to claw her way back into the contest and ultimately secure a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory.
Alcaraz Picks Up Right Where He Left Off
In stark contrast, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The young Spaniard appeared in scintillating form, dismantling Japan's Taro Daniel with breathtaking ease. Exhibiting his characteristic blend of explosive power and delicate touch, Alcaraz wrapped up a convincing 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win, sending a clear message to the rest of the draw.
Djokovic Cruises Into Second Round
Joining him in the second round is the legendary Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star, still hunting his first title of 2024, looked focused and efficient in his straight-sets dismissal of Russian opponent Alexander Kovacevic. While not at his absolute peak, Djokovic's 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory was a professional and controlled performance, showcasing his relentless consistency.
The opening day has set the stage for a thrilling fortnight, proving that the US Open remains the perfect blend of unpredictable drama and expected excellence.
