US Open Briefing – American Results: Amanda Anisimova puts on masterclass as Danielle Collins gets demolished in first round stunner

Day three of the US Open featured action from several American players in the final stretch of the first round. The remaining local representatives who had yet to take the court made their appearances, with a strong female presence led by Amanda Anisimova's convincing victory and a painful defeat for Danielle Collins.

Additionally, Ashlyn Krueger won an all-American showdown, eliminating former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. On the men's side, Brandon Holt will take the court during the afternoon session against Nuno Borges, while Tommy Paul will close out the day at Louis Armstrong Stadium against Elmer Moller.

The world No. 9, Amanda Anisimova, returned to the US Open amid a strong season, arriving at a Grand Slam as a top-10 player for the first time. The American showed her favoritism from the start, taking the initiative against the world No. 83, Kimberly Birrell. While Birrell started competitively, her level gradually declined.

The recent Wimbledon runner-up was, as usual, in great form with her serve, winning 86% of her first-serve points compared to just 54% for Birrell. Anisimova secured four breaks on eight opportunities, while Birrell managed only one break on her two chances. Anisimova finished with six aces and 17 winners, comfortably closing out a simple victory with a score of 6-3, 6-2 in just one hour and 11 minutes.

The American now has a more open path in her section of the draw after the elimination of Elina Svitolina and could potentially reach the quarterfinals without facing a top-20 player. Her next opponent will be the Australian teenager Maya Joint (No. 43), who defeated Victoria Jimenez in straight sets.

Danielle Collins (No. 61) had a day to forget at Flushing Meadows, being swept away by Romania's Jaqueline Cristian (No. 50) with a score of 6-2, 6-0. This was one of the worst performances seen from the American in a long time. It was a painful defeat for Collins, who, after a notable 2024, decided to postpone her retirement and continue competing in 2025. However, things have not gone well, as she has not advanced past the third round of a Grand Slam all year. The loss feels even worse for Collins, who started the year in the top 10 and will continue to drop in the rankings.

The 27-year-old Romanian secured her first main-draw victory at the US Open in an overwhelming fashion, dominating Collins. The match started with both players holding their first few service games, but Cristian quickly took control. After Collins led 2-1, Cristian won the next 11 consecutive games, winning 74% of her service points and 55% of her return points. Collins' 31 unforced errors (including six double faults) were key, allowing the Romanian to secure a decisive victory and advance to the second round. Her next opponent will be another American: Ashlyn Krueger.

One of the morning's highly anticipated women's matches was the all-American clash between Ashlyn Krueger and Sofia Kenin (26th seed). Neither player came into the match with much confidence or great results in recent months, making the contest wide open for whoever could handle the conditions better. It was a tight battle that ended in favor of Krueger (No. 38) with a score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, as her serve proved to be the key weapon for victory.

In a close first set, Kenin secured a late break just when it seemed headed for a tie-break, taking the lead by performing better under pressure. However, the next two sets went to Krueger, who was more consistent with both her first and second serves, deservedly earning the win. This marks the third consecutive time Krueger has won her Grand Slam main-draw debut, while Kenin has now suffered her fourth consecutive loss.