The most distinctive match in the first round of the US Open: Djokovic versus Lenerche, Alcaraz facing Opelka

23/08/2025 14:53:00 pandatv

The US Open main event starts on August 24. At present, the 16 qualifiers have all settled into their spots. The first round features 128 players battling it out.

First, according to the draw rules, the 32 seeded players will not meet each other in the first two rounds. Hence, 32 unseeded players must face seeded players in the opening round. Players matched with the top eight seeds in the first round have a relatively slim chance of progressing. However, having the opportunity to play on the world’s largest tennis court — Arthur Ashe Stadium — is a fortunate experience for lower-ranked players. Moreover, if they win, it could be their chance to make a name for themselves.

Second, aside from the 32 players facing seeded opponents, the remaining 64 unseeded players are randomly drawn to determine their first-round opponents. In Grand Slam tournaments, this randomness is significant. For example, if the highest-ranked unseeded player is drawn against a tough opponent, their chance of early exit increases. Similarly, if a seeded player faces a high-ranked unseeded player in the first round, they will encounter a considerable challenge.

Below are some of the toughest first-round matchups for seeded players.

1. Djokovic versus American young talent Lenerche.The two differ in age by 18.5 years. This will be their first meeting. Lenerche has defeated Medvedev, Rublev, Shelton, and Zverev this season. Therefore, Djokovic will face a significant test. Djokovic is entering the US Open without prior matches this year, so his form may not be sharp in the first round. These factors are unfavorable for Djokovic. Additionally, Lenerche excels at baseline rallies, which is also Djokovic’s strength, effectively neutralizing his advantage. If their first-round match turns into a physically draining battle, it will be detrimental to Djokovic’s subsequent matches.

2. Alcaraz versus Opelka.Alcaraz is 1.83 meters tall, while Opelka stands at 2.11 meters, a difference of 28 cm. Alcaraz wishes he had Opelka’s powerful serve, while Opelka envies Alcaraz’s court coverage, defensive running, and attacking movement. Opelka’s highest ranking was 17th. If his service games go smoothly, the best outcome would be a tiebreak contest. Djokovic’s approach against such big servers relies on precise and consistent technique to find opportunities in tiebreaks.

How Alcaraz will break down Opelka’s serve is worth watching. He has been enjoying mixed doubles with Raducanu and will likely focus on strategy in the coming days. His specialty is using drop shots, which can be deadly against a player like Opelka who struggles with quick movement.

3. Musetti versus another big server, Perkary.A veteran in the tennis world once complained that nowadays, “you can reach the top 30 just by serving well,” likely referring to this young French player. He once served 31 aces in a single match. In the 2024 season, he has the highest average number of aces per match.

Musetti, on the other hand, has a well-rounded and balanced technique, with a playing style that seems to carry the elegance of “classicism.” Their head-to-head record is 2-0, both matches played on grass last year. The first round of the US Open will mark their initial meeting on a hard court.

4. Fonseca versus Kecmanovic.This is the closest ranking matchup among first-round matches at this US Open.Fonseca is currently ranked 44th, while Kecmanovic is 45th.Thus, this match represents a battle between the post-2005 generation trying to take over the positions from the post-1995 generation. The draw can be truly fascinating.

Fonseca, Del Potro, Roddick, and Michelson at the US Open exhibition match

5. Bublik versus Cilic.2014 US Open champion Cilic made a strong comeback last year, climbing from a ranking in the 700s to 61st. He notably reached the fourth round at Wimbledon this year. Now 36, Cilic is one of the few players born in the 1980s still in the top 100. He leads the head-to-head against Bublik 3-0, with their last meeting dating back to the 2022 Queen’s Club tournament. However, this US Open marks their first hard court encounter. Although these 80s-born stars have slowed down with age, their technical foundation and exceptional feel remain intact.

Therefore, 28th seed Bublik faces a tough challenge in the first round against Cilic. Even if Bublik managed to defeat the current world No.1 Sinner (whom he beat this year at Halle), he must not underestimate Cilic. After three years, Bublik cannot be certain of victory. He could either end his three-match losing streak against Cilic or be eliminated by the former US Open champion.

Isn’t this match definitely worth watching?