The recent Cincinnati champion dominated Austrian Barbara Haas in her opening round match, advancing with an easy 6-1 6-2 victory. Azarenka never faced a break point, hitting 20 winners to only seven unforced errors. Haas was always under pressure, winning just 2 of 15 second serve points. The outcome was never in any doubt as Azarenka overpowered her opponent from the baseline and won 92% of points at the net. She next faces a familiar foe in compatriot Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated Oceane Dodin 7-6(1) 6-4 to set up the all-Belarusian clash.

Two-time champion Venus Williams was knocked out in the first round by Czech Karolina Muchova, who prevailed 6-3 7-5. The 20th seed hit eight aces and converted five of 15 break points, while limiting herself to 22 unforced errors. However, Williams committed an unforgivable 34 unforced errors, as she was forced to go for big shots after losing the first set. Muchova will face Russian Anna Kalinskaya in the second round, in the latter's third US Open appearance.

Another former champion took to the court on Tuesday night, as Kim Clijsters played her first Grand Slam match in eight years. After coming out of retirement for the second time, Clijsters looked energized as she faced 25th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova. The former World No.1 looked spry as she took the first set 6-3, surprising her Russian opponent with her accuracy and power. However, with the second set approaching a tiebreak, Clijsters faltered and Alexandrova obtained the crucial break to clinch the set.

The final set saw Alexandrova dictate play, as match rust and fatigue finally caught up with the 37-year old Clijsters. Although the Belgian obtained the early break, her younger opponent won the next six games to escape with a 3-6 7-5 6-1 victory after an hour and 46 minutes. Alexandrova next faces Catherine McNally, who defeated Viktoria Kuzmova 6-4 6-1 to advance to the second round.

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