US Open draw announced: Best of the first round matches

The US Open announced its draw on Thursday. The draw wasn’t broadcast, oddly, but there aren’t any huge surprises. And there are some fantastic first-round matches as well.

The US Open main draw will be held from August 28th through September 10th. The women’s final will be at 4 pm ET on Saturday, the 9th. The men’s final will be held at the same time but on Sunday, the 10th. This is the last Grand Slam of the year.

But for those of you taking off two weeks from work to watch the tournament, there are immediate things to look for. Sure, maybe the men’s final will be between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, but how we get there starts in the first round, obviously. So which matches really stand out in round one?

First round matches not to be missed at the 2023 US Open

Venus Williams versus Paula Badosa

Badosa and Williams have never played. But Badosa, who has battled injuries for some time now, was once ranked as high as number 2 on the WTA tour. Former number 1 Venus Williams still has a bunch of firepower but has battled injuries herself.

Tallon Griekspoor versus Arthur Fils

Griekspoor is currently ranked 25th, which is also his career-high. Arthur Fils is ranked 48th, but just turned 19 years old and could be a real challenger to Carlos Alcaraz one day. The winner of this match could make a surprise run at the US Open.

Ugo Humbert versus Marco Berrettini

Humbert is 25 years old, looks 14, and is beginning to play like a 30-year-old. I mean that in the best way possible. Berrenttini is only 27 years old but his body acts like 50. He’s battled a ton of injuries. But the former world number 6 still can be a dangerous player.

Alexander Bublik versus Dominic Thiem

Two great servers in the first round? Yes, please! This is going to be extremely exciting. Thiem is capable of beating 90 percent of the field if he plays well. Bublik’s serve could take him to the quarterfinals.