The Russian star entered the tournament under pressure after a difficult North American hard-court swing, where he managed only a 1-3 record across his tuneup events. Sunday’s clinical display provided a much-needed boost, as Medvedev navigated the match with composure to advance to the second round.
Medvedev finds rhythm as rain impacts schedule
Reflecting on his recent form, Medvedev acknowledged the difficulty of the preceding weeks but expressed satisfaction with his performance on the court. He noted that while the preparation period had been far from straightforward, he was pleased to produce a high level of tennis when it mattered most in the opening round.
While Medvedev enjoyed a smooth progression, the tournament schedule faced disruptions due to inclement weather. Seven matches were left unfinished as rain affected play, and even the presence of a retractable roof at Louis Armstrong Stadium could not prevent delays. A mechanical sensor issue hindered the closing of the roof, necessitating a drying process for the court before the match between No. 15 seed Alexander Bublik and J.J. Wolf could conclude with a victory for Bublik.
Early tournament developments and withdrawals
Elsewhere in the draw, American Tommy Paul overcame a slow start to progress. After dropping the opening set in a tiebreak to Coleman Wong, Paul regained control to secure a 6-7 (3), 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 victory. Wong, who made history last year as the first man from Hong Kong to win an Open-era Grand Slam singles match, was unable to sustain his early momentum against the seeded player.
The tournament also saw notable absences as the competition got underway. Both 2014 champion Marin Cilic and 2022 runner-up Casper Ruud were forced to withdraw from the event due to injuries. Attention now shifts to Monday’s schedule, which features several high-profile players including Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Frances Tiafoe, and Stan Wawrinka.
