US Open day one: Coco Gauff wins thriller, Holger Rune’s court hurdle, Maria Sakkari’s weed problem

Tennis365
Holger Rune in action
Holger Rune during a match

Novak Djokovic returned to the US Open with a ruthless win over Alexandre Muller in the first round and Iga Swiatek began her title defence by dropping only one game against Rebecca Peterson

The win was significant one for Djokovic for Djokovic as it means he will return to the top of the ATP Rankings after the US Open, replacing Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at No 1.

Britain’s Lily Miyazaki made a mark on her Flushing Meadows debut to reach round two and there are quite a few other Brits who will try to join Miyazaki in the second round when they take to court on Tuesday.

Here, is a look at the opening day’s action from New York.

Pic of the day

US Open celeb spotting with Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama attends US Open match
Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at the opening ceremony of the US Open (Frank Franklin II/AP)

Former first lady Michelle Obama joined a ceremony to honour former champion and equality campaigner Billie Jean King, and celebrate 50 years since the US Open offered equal prize money to men and women.

Match of the day

Coco Gauff came from a set down in a thriller under the lights on Arthur Ashe against German qualifier Laura Siegemund with plenty of drama over slow play. The American teenager, seeded sixth, eventually came through 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Shock of the day

Holger Rune tweeted a map of the Flushing Meadows site to highlight his frustration at being shoved out on Court Five. The Danish fourth seed’s irritation was clear as he slumped to a four-set defeat to Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena.

Stench of the day

Maria Sakkari had a weed problem during her surprise defeat against Rebeka Masarova, but it wasn’t her own making.

The Greek complained to the chair umpire about the smell of “weed” wafting through the air.

“It was weed,” the eighth seed said. “It wasn’t the smell that affected the score in any way. It was just a comment because it was smelling quite a lot – but it has nothing to do with the match.

She added: “Sometimes you smell food, sometimes you smell cigarettes, sometimes you smell weed.

“I mean, it’s something we cannot control because we’re in an open space. There’s a park behind. People can do whatever they want.”

Brit watch


Lily Miyazaki branded her US Open debut “surreal” after winning her first match at a grand slam.

There were echoes of Emma Raducanu after the 27-year-old qualifier, Britain’s sole representative on day one, beat Russian Margarita Betova 6-3, 6-3.

“It’s huge for me, I think,” said Miyazaki. “Qualifying was also, like, obviously a huge confidence booster, but winning at the main draw, it just feels a bit surreal.”

The world number 199 may be unlikely to emulate Raducanu’s fairy-tale title win two years ago, but she still secured a near-£100,000 pay day and a high-profile second-round match against Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.

Fallen seeds

Women: Maria Sakkari (8), Veronika Kudermetova (16), Anhalina Kalinina (28), Elisabetta Cocciaretto (29).

Men: Holger Rune (4), Felix Auger-Aliassime (15), Lorenzo Musetti (18), Alexander Bublik (25), Sebastian Korda (31).

Who’s up next?

Day two sees the other six British hopefuls begin their campaigns. Former champion Andy Murray will be on the Grandstand Court against Frenchman Corentin Moutet. Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, Jack Draper, Jodie Burrage and Katie Boulter are also in action along with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic back on his perch with dominant US Open return as he regains No 1 spot from Carlos Alcaraz

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