New York -- The US Open kicked off with an exciting start as defending champion Coco Gauff showcased her skills in a dominant performance against Varvara Gracheva. Gauff's 6-2, 6-0 victory not only secured her spot in the second round but also silenced any doubts about her form coming into the tournament.
Another young American, Ben Shelton, impressed with a convincing win over 2020 champion Dominic Thiem. The day also saw seeded women's players like Zheng Qinwen and Donna Vekic securing victories, while Maria Sakkari had to retire due to a shoulder injury.
On the men's side, top seeds like Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev advanced smoothly, while Holger Rune suffered an early exit at the hands of Brandon Nakashima. The day also featured Novak Djokovic in action, aiming to add to his impressive collection of Grand Slam titles.
Zheng Qinwen, who recently clinched China's first Summer Games singles gold, faced a tough challenge against Amanda Anisimova but managed to stage a comeback for a hard-fought win. Reflecting on her success, Zheng emphasized the importance of staying humble and fighting for every match.
For Gauff, the victory marked a fresh start after a series of disappointing results in recent tournaments. Despite the setbacks, Gauff remained confident in her abilities and executed her game plan flawlessly against Gracheva.
With a display of maturity beyond her years, Gauff's performance drew praise from fellow players like Madison Keys, who commended her composure under pressure. Gauff's swift win, characterized by powerful serving and precise shot-making, sets a positive tone for her campaign at Flushing Meadows.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on rising stars like Gauff and seasoned champions like Djokovic, creating an exciting atmosphere at the US Open. With each match bringing new challenges and opportunities, the stage is set for thrilling encounters and memorable moments on the courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
