The opening salvoes of the 2024 US Open have delivered a potent cocktail of soaring triumph and crushing disappointment, with British hopes suffering a significant blow on the doubles courts of Flushing Meadows.
The much-anticipated dream partnership of Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray came to a premature and tearful end. Raducanu, battling a persistent wrist issue, was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles competition just moments before they were due to step onto the court for their first-round match.
The young Briton was visibly emotional during her practice session, ultimately unable to grip her racquet properly, leading to the last-minute scratch. This withdrawal follows her own first-round exit in the singles, casting a shadow over her Grand Slam return.
Alcaraz and Sinner March On With Relentless Efficiency
In stark contrast to the British woes, the tournament's top seeds have been in imperious form. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was nothing short of spectacular, dismantling opponent Aleksandar Vukic in a blistering straight-sets victory (6-4, 6-3, 6-1). The young Spaniard's power and precision left little doubt about his title credentials.
He was joined in the second round by Italian sensation Jannik Sinner, the second seed, who navigated a potentially tricky encounter with German Yannick Hanfmann with relative ease, securing a 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 win.
British Contingent Faces Mixed Fortunes
Beyond the Murray-Raducanu saga, other British players experienced a day of contrasting results. Jack Draper provided a boost with a commanding straight-sets win against Russian veteran Aslan Karatsev. However, Cameron Norrie fell in a gruelling four-set battle to Italian Matteo Berrettini, a former finalist here.
The action continues with a packed schedule, as the world's best players vie for the final Grand Slam trophy of the year under the New York lights.
