Top Players Set to Compete on Day 1 of the US Open
Introduction
The US Open is always an exciting time for tennis fans, and this year's tournament is no exception. Day 1 of the main draw is packed with top players, including four-time champion Novak Djokovic and American stars Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz. As the last major of the season, all eyes will be on these players as they compete for the coveted title.
Key Details
Novak Djokovic, currently ranked number one in the world, has had a dominant year so far with wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He will be looking to add another US Open title to his impressive resume. American Ben Shelton, ranked number 27, will be playing in front of his home crowd and hoping to make a deep run in the tournament. And Taylor Fritz, ranked number 25, will be looking to continue his strong season and make a name for himself on the big stage.
Impact
The presence of these top players on Day 1 of the US Open is a testament to the strength and depth of the ATP Tour. With such a competitive field, it's anyone's guess who will come out on top. But one thing is for sure - the fans are in for a treat as they watch these players battle it out on the courts of Flushing Meadows. Will Djokovic add another title to his collection?
About the People Mentioned
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. Born in Belgrade in 1987, Djokovic turned professional in 2003 and quickly rose through the ranks to join the elite group of men’s tennis alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Djokovic is known for his exceptional athleticism, mental resilience, and all-court versatility, which have allowed him to dominate across all surfaces and conditions. Djokovic holds the all-time record for men’s Grand Slam singles titles with 24 major championships, surpassing both Federer and Nadal[1][3]. His Grand Slam victories include a record 10 Australian Open titles, 7 Wimbledon championships, 4 US Opens, and 3 French Open crowns[2]. He is the only male player to have won each of the four majors at least three times, achieving the rare “triple Career Grand Slam”[1]. Djokovic has also been ranked world No. 1 for a record total of 428 weeks across 13 different years, and has finished as the year-end No. 1 a record eight times[1]. In addition to his Grand Slam success, Djokovic has claimed a record 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles, 7 ATP Finals championships, and over 100 career ATP singles titles overall[3][4]. He is one of the few players to complete the Career Golden Slam, having won all four majors, the ATP Finals, and an Olympic gold medal—a feat he achieved by winning singles gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics[2]. Djokovic has also been a key figure in Serbia’s Davis Cup team, helping his country win the title in 2010[2]. Djokovic’s list of professional honors includes eight ITF World Champion awards and eight ATP Player of the Year titles, reflecting his sustained excellence over more than two decades[1][2]. Off the court, he has been recognized for his humanitarian efforts, receiving the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award in 2012[1][2]. As of late 2025, Djokovic remains a central figure in men’s tennis, continuing to compete at the highest level and adding to his historic legacy. His recent Olympic gold medal in Paris further cemented his status as one of the sport’s most accomplished and versatile champions[2]. Djokovic’s career is marked not only by his records and trophies but also by his influence in elevating the standards of professional tennis worldwide.
Ben Shelton
Benjamin Todd Shelton (born October 9, 2002) is an American professional tennis player known for his powerful left-handed serve and dynamic playing style. As of August 4, 2025, he reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 6, making him one of the leading figures in men's tennis. Shelton has won three ATP singles titles, including a prestigious Masters 1000 event at the 2025 Canadian Open (National Bank Open). He has also reached the semifinals of two Grand Slam tournaments: the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open, marking him as a significant contender on the tour. Shelton made his ATP Tour debut in 2022 at the Atlanta Open and quickly rose through the ranks with notable victories, including a quarterfinal appearance at the 2023 Australian Open just months after turning professional. His breakthrough year included winning the Japan Open in 2023 and the Houston Open in 2024, the latter marking his first ATP title on clay. His 2025 season has been marked by his top-10 breakthrough and his first Masters 1000 title, underscoring his rapid ascent in professional tennis. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Shelton grew up in a tennis-oriented family. His father, Bryan Shelton, a former professional player and collegiate coach, now coaches him. His mother, Lisa Witsken Shelton, and uncle, Todd Witsken, were also accomplished tennis players. Initially reluctant to play tennis, Shelton began the sport at age 10 after dabbling in American football. He played college tennis before turning pro in 2022. In his personal life, Shelton began dating professional soccer player Trinity Rodman in March 2025. He currently resides in Gainesville, Florida. Shelton is recognized not only for his on-court achievements but also for his charismatic and energetic personality, including a signature "dialed-in" celebration move that has become popular among fans and fellow players alike.[1][2][4][5][6][7]
Taylor Fritz
Taylor Fritz is an American professional tennis player born on October 28, 1997, in Rancho Santa Fe, California. He is the son of Kathy May, a former top-10 WTA player, and Guy Henry Fritz, a tennis coach. Fritz's involvement in tennis began at a young age, reflecting his family's strong tennis background. He started playing tennis at the age of two and turned professional in 2015. Fritz has achieved significant success in his career. He was a former World No. 1 Junior and won the junior singles title at the 2015 US Open. In the ATP Tour, he has won ten singles titles, including a notable victory at the 2022 Indian Wells Open, becoming the first American men's champion there since Andre Agassi in 2001. His career-high ranking is world No. 4, achieved in November 2024, marking the highest year-end ranking for an American man since James Blake in 2006. In 2024, Fritz reached the final at the US Open and the ATP Finals. Recently, Fritz has continued to perform well on the circuit. In 2025, he won two titles on grass courts at Stuttgart and Eastbourne. He also competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in men's doubles. Fritz's participation in team events, such as the Laver Cup for Team World, highlights his role as a prominent figure in international tennis competitions. Fritz's current relevance in tennis is underscored by his consistent performance and his role as a leading American player. His achievements and ongoing success make him a notable figure in the sport, with a promising future ahead.
