Watch US Open — Day 1 First Round Free.

What's at Stake

The final Grand Slam of the year begins at Flushing Meadows, where players compete for ultimate hard-court glory, crucial ranking points, and a share of the historic prize pool. For the top seeds, Day 1 is about establishing momentum and avoiding an early upset, while lower-ranked competitors seek a career-defining breakthrough on tennis's biggest stage. The opening round sets the tone for the entire fortnight, testing physical endurance and mental fortitude under the intense New York spotlight.

Form Guide

Entering the final major of the season, players have spent the summer hard-court swing fine-tuning their games at high-profile events in Montreal, Toronto, and Cincinnati. Some competitors arrive in peak form, riding the momentum of recent deep tournament runs, while others are searching for consistency after mixed results on the North American concrete. Physical fitness will be a critical factor, as the transition from best-of-three set tune-ups to the demanding best-of-five format for the men, combined with high humidity, always tests the field on Day 1.

Key Players to Watch

• Carlos Alcaraz — The dynamic Spaniard seeks to reclaim his dominance on the New York hard courts with his signature explosive athleticism and variety.
• Iga Swiatek — The women's world number one aims to assert her authority on the fast courts of Flushing Meadows and secure another Grand Slam title.
• Jannik Sinner — Armed with devastating baseline power, the Italian enters the tournament as a formidable threat looking to dictate play from the opening round.

Prediction

Expect the top-seeded players to navigate the opening day relatively smoothly, securing straight-sets or comfortable four-set victories as they adjust to the court speed and atmosphere. While the electric New York crowd often inspires a few lower-ranked players to push matches to deciding sets, the favorites' superior physical conditioning and big-match experience should carry them through. The opening day will likely conclude with the majority of the seeded contenders advancing safely to the second round.