US Open 2025: Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka to Kick Off Opening Day Action

US Open 2025: Djokovic and Sabalenka Lead Star-Studded Opening Day.

The 2025 US Open kicks off on Sunday, 24 August, with an action-packed opening day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Global icons Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka headline the schedule, ensuring a blockbuster start to the final Grand Slam of the year.

Indian fans can catch the matches live from late Sunday night through Monday morning.

Djokovic Chases History

Fresh off his Olympic triumph, Novak Djokovic begins his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Serbian legend faces American teenager Learner Tien in the night session at 4:30 AM IST (Monday, 25 Aug).

Tien, who has defeated four top-10 players this season, will look to spring a major upset against the world’s most decorated active player.

Sabalenka’s Title Defence

Before Djokovic’s appearance, defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Swiss challenger Rebeka Masarova. The match, second on Arthur Ashe, is scheduled around 11:30 PM IST (Sunday, 24 Aug).

World No. 1 Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman in over a decade to successfully defend the US Open crown after making three deep Slam runs this year.

“This place feels bigger than the other Slams,” Sabalenka said. “I’d love to finish the season with both a Grand Slam and the No. 1 ranking.”

Other Key Matches

• Daniil Medvedev vs Benjamin Bonzi (Louis Armstrong, ~2:30 AM IST): A must-watch clash. Bonzi leads their head-to-head, including a Wimbledon upset earlier this year.
• Jessica Pegula vs Mayar Sherif (Arthur Ashe, after Djokovic): The New Yorker and last year’s finalist seeks her maiden Slam title, powered by home support.
• Ben Shelton vs Ignacio Buse (Arthur Ashe, 9:30 PM IST): The American crowd-favourite opens the proceedings.
• Emma Raducanu vs Ena Shibahara (Louis Armstrong, 8:30 PM IST): The 2021 champion begins her campaign under spotlight.
• Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Nava (Louis Armstrong, ~10:00 PM IST): An all-American battle to excite home fans.
• Jasmine Paolini vs Destanee Aiava (Louis Armstrong, ~12:30 AM IST): The Italian seventh seed starts her journey.