Frances Tiafoe Wins US Open First Round Amid Opponent Disruption

Frances Tiafoe, the No. 17 seed and two-time US Open semifinalist, advanced to the second round of the 2025 US Open with a straight-sets victory over Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, winning 6-3, 7-6 (6), 6-3. Despite Tiafoe's inconsistent first-serve percentage of around 52%, his serving was dominant when it counted, including 19 aces and a perfect 12-for-12 on first-serve points in the third set, which ultimately secured his win. The match was marked by Nishioka's surprising emotional meltdown and conduct penalty, notable given his recent poor form and lack of major success; his frustration seemed disproportionate to the match situation and career context. Tiafoe expressed enthusiasm for competing at the US Open, calling it the best tournament in the world, and will next face fellow American Martin Damm in the second round. Other notable results on the men's side included Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca winning his US Open debut and No. 5 Jack Draper overcoming injury to advance past Federico Agustin Gomez. Tiafoe's win contributes to a strong showing by American men early in the tournament, alongside top seeds Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton also reaching round two.