Tommy Paul and Jessica Pegula spearheaded the American contingent advancing to the second round of the US Open, concluding the evening's play on New York's premier courts on Tuesday. Meanwhile, losses for Danielle Collins and Shelby Rogers marked their departures from Grand Slam tennis. Paul overcame Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 6-2 5-7 6-2, successfully defending 11 out of 13 break points in front of dedicated fans who remained until late at night under the lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium. Paul, who faced early eliminations in Cincinnati and Toronto prior to New York, appeared to have secured victory until he lost serve in the eighth game of the third set. He regained momentum in the fourth set, winning the first two games and breaking Sonego once more in the fifth. Paul's next opponent will be Australian Max Purcell.
"Better than I anticipated. I stepped onto the court and played quite comfortably," Paul remarked, expressing gratitude to the fans for their support past 1 am. "The fact that you're here is incredible. I'm tired myself." Sixth seed Pegula dispatched fellow American Rogers 6-4 6-3 in the final match of the night on Arthur Ashe Stadium. This also marked the end of Rogers' singles career in Grand Slam tournaments, although she plans to compete in doubles.
"I anticipated a flood of emotions, but primarily, I feel gratitude," Rogers shared. Collins, who will also participate in doubles, has had a memorable final season and is content with her decision to retire from the sport. The 11th seed initially dominated the first set against unseeded compatriot Caroline Dolehide, but her performance faltered in the second set, leading to a 1-6 7-5 6-4 defeat. Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, ousted Britain's former champion Emma Raducanu 6-1 3-6 6-4 on the Grandstand, setting up a match against Pegula next. Sebastian Korda smoothly defeated France's Corentin Moutet 7-6(3) 6-1 6-0 and will face Czech Tomas Machac in the subsequent round.
