The 2025 U.S. Open opened with contrasting fortunes for past champions. Novak Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, overcame teenager Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 despite a mid-match medical timeout for a foot blister. The 38-year-old Serb’s victory was his 75th consecutive win in Grand Slam openers and his 80th career triumph inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The night session produced the tournament’s first major shock as 2021 winner Daniil Medvedev fell to France’s Benjamin Bonzi 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4. Play was halted for about six minutes when a photographer walked onto the court at match point, prompting chair umpire Greg Allensworth to replay the serve. Medvedev berated the official, urged the crowd to boo, and later smashed his racket; the Russian said he expects a significant fine. Former women’s champion Emma Raducanu raced past Japan’s Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in just 62 minutes, securing her first win at Flushing Meadows since her 2021 title run. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, still searching for a major this season, dismissed Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1 for her 51st victory of the year and an eighth straight win in New York. Home supporters had more to cheer as fourth seed Taylor Fritz and sixth seed Ben Shelton moved safely into round two. The event also welcomed the return of 45-year-old Venus Williams, who is poised to make a record 25th main-draw appearance later this week.