Alex de Minaur has emerged victorious in a first-round clash against fellow Australian Chris O’Connell, marking the beginning of his journey to replicate last year’s quarterfinal finish at the US Open. The match, held at Flushing Meadows, saw de Minaur dominate without facing a single break point, securing a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win in under two hours.
De Minaur’s performance underscored his status as Australia’s top player. He broke O’Connell’s serve in the opening game of the final set, and although O’Connell valiantly defended six other break points, the eighth seed maintained control. O’Connell, who was dealing with an oblique injury, could not match de Minaur’s consistent play.
“It’s never easy playing a fellow Aussie, a fellow mate,” de Minaur commented after the match. His next opponent will be Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki, ranked 112th in the world. De Minaur’s aspirations include reaching the quarterfinals for two consecutive years, a feat he has yet to achieve at any major tournament.
Australian Tennis Players Make Their Mark
De Minaur is not the only Australian making headlines in New York. Alexei Popyrin and Maya Joint have also delivered impressive performances. Popyrin, who is no stranger to challenging top seeds, will face world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round. This follows Popyrin’s victory over Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori, where he showcased his powerful serve with 10 aces and 44 winners.
Popyrin’s encounter with Sinner is highly anticipated, especially since Popyrin has a winning record against the Italian, having defeated him at the Madrid Masters in 2021. “If you want to win these tournaments, you have to beat one of these players at some point,” Popyrin stated confidently. His experience and strategic mindset make him a formidable opponent.
Maya Joint’s Breakthrough Victory
Maya Joint, another rising star, secured her first major win of 2025 by defeating Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva 6-4, 7-6(8/6). Joint’s victory is particularly significant as she had previously fallen in the first round of this year’s other grand slams. Her success in 2025 includes two WTA titles, and her ranking has skyrocketed from 684th to 43rd in just over a year.
Joint’s resilience was on full display as she overcame set points against Kasintseva, eventually triumphing in a tense second set. Her next challenge is against American Amanda Anisimova, the eighth seed, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Other Notable Performances
Tristan Schoolkate joined his compatriots in the second round after a marathon match against Lorenzo Sonego. Schoolkate’s victory, achieved in a grueling four-hour-and-18-minute battle, demonstrated his tenacity and endurance. Meanwhile, Ajla Tomljanović is set to face third seed Coco Gauff, aiming to extend the list of Australian successes at the US Open.
The Australian contingent’s strong performances reflect the depth of talent in the nation’s tennis ranks. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these players as they strive to make further inroads at one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
The US Open continues to be a stage where Australian players shine, and this year’s tournament is no exception. With de Minaur, Popyrin, and Joint leading the charge, the future of Australian tennis looks promising.
