US Open 2025 Begins with Star-Studded Opening Day Featuring Raducanu, Djokovic, and Sabalenka in Action at Flushing Meadows

The final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open 2025, kicks off in historic fashion with Sunday opening matches for the first time in tournament history. Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, the tournament begins with a jam-packed schedule featuring major tennis stars including Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka. The action starts August 24, 2025, and promises a week of thrilling tennis under New York’s blazing summer heat.

British No. 1 and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu headlines the early action on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where she opens her campaign against American-born Japanese player Ena Shibahara. Her match is scheduled for 11am local time (4pm UK time), with live coverage available across Sky Sports platforms.

What is the US Open 2025 match schedule and who’s playing on Day 1?

The US Open 2025 boasts an action-packed Day 1 lineup spread across Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and outer courts like the Grandstand and Court 17.

Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, the defending women’s champion, faces Rebeka Masarova in what’s expected to be a dominant opener. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title, opens his tournament against American Learner Tien in a prime-time matchup on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

On Louis Armstrong, American star Taylor Fritz faces Emilio Nava, while Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion, takes on Benjamin Bonzi in the late evening match.

Raducanu, after a strong summer hard court season, enters the tournament with a projected draw that could see her face a host of top seeds, including Veronika Kudermetova, Elena Rybakina, and a potential quarterfinal clash with Sabalenka.

Brit Watch: Who are the other British players in action?

It’s a significant day for British tennis fans with several players competing across different courts:

• Emma Raducanu vs Ena Shibahara

• Katie Boulter vs Marta Kostyuk

• Francesca Jones vs Eva Lys

• Sonay Kartal vs Beatriz Haddad Maia

• Jack Draper vs Emilio Gomez

• Charles Fearnley vs Roberto Bautista-Agut

• Billy Harris vs Felix Auger-Aliassime

• Cameron Norrie vs Sebastian Korda

Each match carries significant implications for British hopes at Flushing Meadows.

Full Order of Play for August 24, 2025 (All times UK)

Arthur Ashe Stadium:

• 5pm: Ben Shelton vs Ignacio Buse

• Aryna Sabalenka vs Rebeka Masarova

• 12am: Novak Djokovic vs Learner Tien

• Jessica Pegula vs Mayar Sherif

Louis Armstrong Stadium:

• 4pm: Emma Raducanu vs Ena Shibahara

• Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Nava

• 12am: Jasmine Paolini vs Destanee Aiava

• Daniil Medvedev vs Benjamin Bonzi

Grandstand:

• 4pm: Jakub Mensik vs Nicolas Jarry

• Alexandra Eala vs Clara Tauson

• 8pm: Emma Navarro vs Wang Yafan

• 10pm: Brandon Nakashima vs Jesper De Jong

Court 17 and other courts host numerous matches featuring rising stars and seeded players such as Jiri Lehecka, Belinda Bencic, and Jelena Ostapenko.

Why the US Open 2025 is one to watch

With a new format starting on Sunday and a stronger-than-ever British presence, US Open 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent memory. High temperatures are adding to the challenge, as players contend with nearly 95°F heat on court. For fans, it’s a tennis-packed fortnight with world-class talent and potential upsets lurking at every turn.

Expect fireworks from Day 1 as seasoned legends and rising stars battle it out for Grand Slam glory under the New York lights. Stay tuned for complete coverage, updated draws, and British progress throughout the tournament.

For your information:

What time does Emma Raducanu play at the US Open 2025?
Emma Raducanu is scheduled to play her first-round match against Ena Shibahara at 11am local time (4pm UK time) on Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Who is Novak Djokovic playing in the US Open 2025 opening round?
Novak Djokovic will face American wild card Learner Tien in the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

What is the order of play for Day 1 of the US Open 2025?
Matches start at 4pm UK time across multiple courts including Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and the Grandstand. Big names like Raducanu, Sabalenka, and Djokovic will feature prominently.

Where is the US Open 2025 being held?
The tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.

What are the British players’ fixtures at the US Open?
Besides Raducanu, players like Katie Boulter, Jack Draper, and Cameron Norrie are all in action on Day 1.