Day 1 of the 2019 US Open did not dissapoint, with fans coming to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in record numbers to catch marquee matchups and cheer on the sport's biggest stars.
Serena Dominates, Federer Tested: 2018 runner-up Serena Williams extended her head-to-head to 20-3 against 2006 champion Maria Sharapova with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over the Russian in the opening match of the Arthur Ashe Stadium night session. "I just feel like her game really matches up well against mine," Williams said of her 19-match win streak against Sharapova. "I've always said her ball somehow lands in my strike zone. I don't know. It's just perfect for me." This was the pair's first meeting in Flushing Meadows.
Roger Federer survived a test from India's Sumit Nagal, who took the first set against the five-time US Open champion under the light in Arthur Ashe Stadium before falling in four.
Point of the Day: There is no question that defending champ Novak Djokovic and his first-round opponent, Roberto Carballes Baena, got their steps in on Monday.
Home Heroes: Along with Serena, Americans also victorious on Day 1 were Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin, Madison Keys, Caty McNally, Lauren Davis, Reilly Opelka, Denis Kudla, Jenson Brooksby and Bradley Klahn.
Day 1 Scores: See all 2019 US Open Day 1 results
Around the Grounds: A sculpture of tennis legend Althea Gibson, the first African-American to lift trophies at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open, was unveiled in a ceremony near Arthur Ashe Stadium. "Welcome home Althea Gibson," said Billie Jean King at the event. A lot of us have waited a long time for today to happen. We’ve finally gotten over the finish line."
Tipping our hat to Tipsarevic: Two-time US Open quarterfinalist Janko Tipsarevic recently announced that he will retire from professional tennis after the 2019 season. He spoke with USOpen.org about his 16-year career, his decision to retire, and a peek at life after tennis. (Is there such a thing?)
