Pegula and Medvedev Win as Djokovic Drops Opening Set

Pegula's Fast Start

Jessica Pegula, the world number three, beat Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 on Arthur Ashe Stadium to open her US Open campaign, the WTA reported. It was the American's 10th appearance at the tournament, which is played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

Pegula, a beaten finalist at the event in 2024, faced only one break point on her own serve. Breaking Ruse proved harder. Ruse saved eight break points in total and held one game that lasted 15 minutes and 34 seconds to lead 2-1 in the first set.

Pegula praised her opponent's serving, saying off-speed deliveries can be harder to attack than fast ones. She put the messy patch down to first-round nerves, telling reporters she had been texting people GIFs of how she felt before the match even started.

Sponsored

Flight delayed?ManilaCheck your claim

Djokovic Under Pressure

Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth, lost the opening set of his first-round match against Mariano Navone in a tiebreak, according to The Athletic's live coverage. The Athletic reported that Djokovic struggled physically during the set and was given two tablets at a changeover.

The Athletic noted that Djokovic has not lost in the first round of a Grand Slam since 2006. The result of the match is not stated in the sources available.

Rain suspended play on the outer courts. Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium continued because both have roofs.

British Results and What Comes Next

Katie Boulter beat American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the second round, BBC Sport reported. Qualifier Toby Samuel won his first Grand Slam match on his New York debut, beating Tomas Machac 6-2, 6-3, 6-2, and next plays Jiri Lehecka.

Samuel credited his university coach Josh Goffi, the coaches at Team Bath, friends and family for the support. "I'm definitely feeling like I belong here more," he said of adjusting to big crowds.

The 29th seed, Cameron Norrie, lost 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to Luca Van Assche. Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion, won in straight sets on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Venus Williams, a two-time US Open champion, was scheduled to face Sofia Kenin in the night session, with the winner to meet Pegula on Wednesday. BBC Sport listed Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek and Stan Wawrinka among those due to play their first-round matches the following day.