The US Open 2025 has already kicked off with the qualifying rounds, and the lucky losers for this year have earned their spots in the main draw. However, it is now time for the top-ranked pros to step in as the event rolled out the schedule for day 1. With the highlight returner, Novak Djokovic, the WTA world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, and more, here’s a detailed list of the top matches you shouldn’t miss out.
Ben Shelton vs. Ignacio Buse
Ben Shelton, seeded sixth, faces Ignacio Buse in the first round of the 2025 US Open on August 24. Shelton comes in with strong form, after winning his first Masters 1000 in Toronto and reaching the Cincinnati quarterfinals. The 2024 US Open saw Shelton make it to the third round before losing in an epic five-set match to Frances Tiafoe.
Update with women’s Qs also placed pic.twitter.com/C4Fv9mZdfE
— Tennis Schedules (@SchedulesTennis) August 22, 2025
Buse, ranked at No. 136, earned his spot by winning three matches in qualifying, marking his first main-draw US Open match. Shelton is the clear favorite, while Buse aims to surprise. The game is scheduled for Sunday, August 24, at 12:00 p.m. ET on the historic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Rebeka Masarova
Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending US Open champion, is set to start her bid by facing Rebeka Masarova in the first round. The crowd at Flushing Meadows saw Sabalenka win the US Open 2024 by beating Jessica Pegula in the final, 7-5, 7-5. She last played Masarova at the Berlin Tennis Open in June 2025, winning 6-2, 7-6(6).
Update with men’s Q/LLs placed pic.twitter.com/J9S2Dh2b22
— Tennis Schedules (@SchedulesTennis) August 22, 2025
Masarova’s previous US Open came in 2024, where she failed to make it past the qualifying round. Sabalenka is the firm favorite, with powerful form, while Masarova hopes to cause an upset in what will be her first main-draw match in months. The two players will step on the court right after the Shelton-Buse clash.
Novak Djokovic vs. Learner Tien
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam great, begins his US Open journey against rising star Learner Tien. Djokovic returns after skipping the US hard-court swing to train and rest, aiming for a record-setting 25th major title. Last year at the 2024 US Open, he was shockingly upset in the third round by Alexei Popyrin.
Novak Djokovic’s road to reach 25 in New-York 🏆#USOpen pic.twitter.com/HsIG9qtYcH
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) August 21, 2025
Tien, just 19, impressed with a deep Grand Slam debut and big wins this year, defeating top pros like Ben Shelton. The match will pit Djokovic’s vast experience against Tien’s youthful surprise. While Djokovic is widely expected to win, this is a moment young Tien has long dreamed about. The showdown will be played during the evening shift, at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Jakub Menšík vs. Nicolás Jarry
Jakub Menšík, the Czech 16th seed, is set to begin his US Open campaign against Nicolás Jarry in the first round. Last year in New York, Menšík reached the third round but eventually faced a defeat against Nuno Borges. He arrives in great shape after winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Miami, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final.
On the other hand, Jarry had a short US Open in 2024. He lost in the first round against Australian rival Christopher O’Connell. Menšík is the favourite here, backed by youthful energy and top form, while Jarry looks to bounce back and show he’s still a threat. The match will be played on the Grandstand at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Alexandra Eala vs. Clara Tauson
Alexandra Eala, the young Filipino rising star, faces trusted Dane Clara Tauson in the first round at the 2025 US Open. Eala was impressed this year by defeating top players like Ostapenko, Keys, and Swiatek at the Miami Open. She reached her first WTA semifinal and became the first Filipino in the top 100. However, she missed a few tournaments due to a shoulder injury and is now ready to make a comeback.
MORE: 5 Unseeded Women Who Could Threaten the Seeds in US Open First Round, Including Alexandra Eala
Tauson, the 14th seed and former junior champ, won Auckland early this season, made deep runs at Dubai and Wimbledon, and played well in Montreal and Cincinnati. Tauson looks more experienced, but Eala brings energy and home support. It will be a spirited match to watch. Both players will take their positions after the Mensik-Jarry matchup.
Jordan Thompson vs. Corentin Moutet
Jordan Thompson, the Australian who reached the 4th round at the 2024 US Open and won the doubles title there in 2024 with Max Purcell, returns for another run in singles. Thompson enters strong, backed by his Grand Slam doubles success. His opponent, Frenchman Corentin Moutet, had a rough 2024 in New York, losing in the first round to Sebastian Korda.
Earlier this year at Indian Wells, Moutet beat Thompson in a tight three-setter, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Thompson is known for his consistency and calm, while Moutet is crafty and unpredictable, making the upcoming clash a fun match.
