(New York-NY) - Grand Slam action got underway at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where tennis fans witnessed emotional moments as former US Open champion Dominic Thiem bid farewell at Flushing Meadows on his way to retirement, sensational thrillers, and a major upset at the hands of Brandon Nakashima, stunning Holger Rune on Monday.
An action-packed 2024 US Open opening day saw American star and last year’s semifinalist Ben Shelton off to a winning start against former champion Dominic Thiem in his final major appearance before retirement later in autumn.
Thiem professional career was celebrated at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, leaving with a much-deserved standing ovation. On the court, he shared a few words, speaking about his professional career after receiving a photo collage.
“It has been ten years since I first played here. It is a really important moment for me because I had my greatest success here on this court.”
Adding: “In that weird 2020, in strange and different circumstances. I had this success, unfortunately, without any of you [the fans] here. It was an amazing moment, but on the other hand, a bit sad, so I am super happy I got the chance to play my last US Open match on this court.”
During his press conference, the 30-year-old confirmed he is playing two more events before retirement, the UTS in Frankfurt, and then he will compete in his last tournament at tour-level on home soil in Vienna.
Former world No. 10 Argentine Diego Schwartzman also said goodbye after falling to Frenchman Gael Monfils in four sets in his last first-rounder at the Grand Slam.
A packed Grandstand saw an entertaining matchup between two experienced players. Monfils continues to display high-quality tennis even under high humidity and temperature levels, advancing to the next round at age 37 in his 16th appearance at the major.
Moreover, Schwartzman, who will retire at his home tournament, the Argentina Open in February 2025, received a standing ovation as the recognition from the Parisian player.
Next, the Frenchman, a 12-time ATP titlist, will face off against 2022 US Open finalist Casper Ruud, who earlier beat Chinese Bu Yunchaokete, 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2.
Meanwhile, American 12th seeded Taylor Fritz set up a second-round blockbuster against resurgent Italian Matteo Berrettini following a dominant 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 showing to outlast Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli and reach the second round.
Berrettini, the first Italian man to reach the quarterfinals at all four Slams, launched his campaign in the Big Apple with great consistency to defeat Spaniard Albert Ramos Vinolas in straight sets, booking his spot into a second-rounder.
Juncheng Shang, 19, took on No. 27 seed Alexander Bublik in his debut appearance at the US Open and prevailed over the player from Kazakhstan in a five-setter for the ages on Monday, having achieved a new career-high of No. 72.
Shang’s breakout year will see him squaring off against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena on Wednesday in their first-ever meeting on tour.
At the time of writing, American Brandon Nakashima had produced an upset, ousting 15th seed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
In addition, sixth seed Andrey Rublev claimed a 6-3, 7-6(3), 7-5 win over the always dangerous Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild.
For his part, fourth seed Alexander Zverev dropped a set en route to punch his ticket to the second round against countryman and lucky loser Maximilian Marterer.
The night session is yet to feature Olympic gold medalist and reigning champion Novak Djokovic, who will kickstart his title defense playing qualifier Radu Albot.
