Alex de Minaur has kicked off his US Open campaign with a decisive first-round victory over fellow Australian Chris O’Connell. The match, held at Flushing Meadows, saw de Minaur dominate with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win, taking just under two hours to secure his place in the next round. The victory marks the beginning of de Minaur’s quest to reach back-to-back quarterfinals at the prestigious tournament.
De Minaur, who is currently Australia’s top-ranked player, did not face a single break point throughout the match. He broke O’Connell in the opening game of the final set, a lead he maintained despite O’Connell’s efforts to fend off six additional break points. O’Connell, who was dealing with an oblique injury, was unable to match de Minaur’s pace and precision.
“It’s never easy playing a fellow Aussie, a fellow mate,” de Minaur commented after the match. His next challenge will be against Japanese world number 112, Shintaro Mochizuki. De Minaur’s journey at the US Open is not just about personal achievement; it also reflects his resilience after missing out on competing in the mixed doubles with his fiancée, Katie Boulter, due to a format change.
Alexei Popyrin Sets Sights on Sinner
Meanwhile, Alexei Popyrin has also made a strong start at the US Open, defeating Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(7/3). Popyrin’s performance was marked by 10 aces and 44 winners, showcasing his formidable service game. This victory sets up a highly anticipated second-round clash with the tournament’s top seed, Jannik Sinner.
Popyrin is no stranger to facing top-ranked players, having defeated Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 last year. Despite the challenge ahead, Popyrin remains confident. “If you want to win these tournaments, you have to beat one of these players at some point,” he stated. Popyrin holds a psychological edge over Sinner, having won their only previous encounter at the Madrid Masters in 2021.
“I know my game, I know how I can play and I know the trouble I can cause, so I’m not really worried about it.” – Alexei Popyrin
Maya Joint’s Breakthrough Victory
In women’s singles, Maya Joint achieved her first major win of 2025 by defeating Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva 6-4, 7-6(8/6). Joint, who is currently ranked 43rd in the world, has had a remarkable year, capturing her first two WTA titles. Her victory over Kasintseva was a testament to her growth as a player, especially after falling in the first round of the three other majors this year.
Joint’s rise in the rankings has been meteoric, starting the 2024 season ranked 684th. Her success story is underscored by her resilience and ability to handle pressure, as demonstrated in the second set against Kasintseva. Joint now faces eighth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova in the second round, aiming to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.
“There is no ceiling on what she might achieve.” – Ajla Tomljanović on Maya Joint
More Australian Success at Flushing Meadows
Adding to the Australian success at the US Open, Tristan Schoolkate secured a hard-fought victory over Lorenzo Sonego in a match lasting over four hours. Schoolkate’s win, marked by a 10-point tiebreak in the fifth set, exemplifies the determination and tenacity of the Australian contingent at this year’s tournament.
Elsewhere, Ajla Tomljanović is set to face third seed Coco Gauff on Arthur Ashe Stadium, aiming to join her compatriots in the winners’ circle. As the US Open progresses, the Australian players continue to make their mark, each with their own unique journey and aspirations.
The US Open continues to be a stage for both seasoned players and rising stars to showcase their talents, with the Australian contingent leading the charge in what promises to be an exciting tournament.
