US Open Day One: Muguruza and Badosa Start Strong as Tauson Battles Back
Spaniard Garbiñe Muguruza opened her US Open campaign with a confident 6-3, 7-6(5) victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson. The two-time Grand Slam champion showed resilience and kept pressure on Tauson throughout the match, especially after weathering a knee issue that briefly interrupted the action. The win came after a two-hour duel that showcased Muguruza’s experience and Tauson’s evident talent and determination.
Muguruza, currently ranked ninth in the world, began the set without needing to rely on her serve at first, breaking Tauson in the fourth game to claim a 3-1 lead and setting the tone. Tauson, who had earned wins against strong contenders this year, including a notable victory over Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit, fought back as the match progressed. The opening set was decided by smart shot selection and Muguruza’s ability to convert key moments, leaving Tauson to chase the pace of the rallies.
In the second set, Muguruza briefly faced pressure as Tauson found her rhythm and earned a series of opportunities to extend the match. Tauson required medical attention for a right knee issue during the deciding exchanges, yet she persisted and produced a late surge, reaching 5-4 in the tiebreak-ready phase before Muguruza steadied with a precise service hold and forced the tiebreak.
The tiebreak opened with Tauson grabbing an early 3-0 cushion, but Muguruza steadied her game, winning seven of the next nine points to clinch the set 7-5 and advance to the second round. The performance reinforced Muguruza’s status as a formidable force in New York, ready to push deeper into the tournament. The victory also set up a first-ever meeting with Linda Fruhirtová, the young Czech player ranked 167th, who will bring an unfamiliar challenge to Muguruza in the next round.
In another part of the bracket, Paula Badosa also started with a win, overcoming Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko in three hard-fought sets. Badosa, coming off uneven results in Toronto and Cincinnati, stepped onto the court determined to make a strong statement on the American soil. Tsurenko pushed the Spaniard to the edge, forcing a decisive third set after a tense second set that saw a flurry of breaks and momentum swings.
The opening set for Badosa did not go as planned. Tsurenko broke early and held onto that edge through the set’s closing stages. But Badosa responded with resolve, taking the second set in a dramatic tiebreak after a sequence of fierce breaks that kept fans on their toes. In the deciding frame, Badosa claimed the momentum with an early lead and never looked back, clinching the match to move ahead in the draw.
Other notable results from Tuesday’s action included Iga Swiatek, who continued her strong form with a straightforward victory, and Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, who also advanced. Jessica Pegula, representing the United States, secured her place in the next round, while Jasmine Paolini delivered solid wins over her opponents, including Viktorija Golubic, to bolster her own campaign in the tournament. These outcomes underscored the depth and competition on display during the opening day of the event.
As the field narrows, the focus shifts to the next rounds where these veterans and rising stars will clash for a place in the latter stages. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, backed by passionate fans who watched every serve, return, and rally with keen anticipation for what promises to be an exciting fortnight on the hard courts. The tournament continues to unfold with plenty of suspense and standout performances from players across all rounds. (Source: tournament coverage and official match reports)