US Open: strong start for Italians in the first round

In the first round of the US Open, the Italians made their presence felt with some standout performances and a few letdowns. Jannik Sinner overcame Mackenzie McDonald, winning in four sets with a score of 3-1. After a challenging first set where tension seemed to affect him due to the recent 'Clostebol' case, Sinner regained his form and confidently closed out the match.

Matteo Berrettini impressed with a decisive 3-0 victory over Albert Ramos, showing he is in excellent condition. Lorenzo Musetti also confirmed his talent by defeating the American giant Reilly Opelka 3-1, in a match where he showcased his variety of play.

Among the positives, Matteo Arnaldi delivered a convincing 3-0 win against young American Zachary Svajda. Flavio Cobolli also put in a solid performance, defeating Australian James Duckworth 3-1.

Finally, Mattia Bellucci secured his first Slam victory by defeating a seasoned opponent like Stan Wawrinka in a match that marks a significant milestone in the young Italian's career.

On the women's side, the spearhead of the Italian contingent, Jasmine Paolini, managed to overcome a tough first-round match against Bianca Andreescu, winning 2-1. Her Olympic doubles partner, Sara Errani, beat Spaniard Bucsa to reach the second round of the US Open for the first time in 10 years. Elisabetta Cocciaretto also performed well, winning 2-0 against Ukraine's Baindl. Lucia Bronzetti advanced to the second round after her opponent Sun retired at the beginning of the second set.

On the disappointing side, Luca Nardi was defeated in straight sets, 3-0, by Roberto Bautista Agut, never really finding his rhythm. Fabio Fognini suffered a similar fate, losing 3-0 to Czech Tomas Machac in a performance below expectations.

Luciano Darderi also bowed out, losing 3-1 to Argentine Sebastian Baez, disappointing those who hoped for a surprise. Lorenzo Sonego, fresh from an impressive victory at the ATP 250 tournament in Salem, was tasked with another feat against Tommy Paul. The Piedmontese, despite his usual fighting spirit, succumbed 3-1 to the American.

In the women's draw, the only Italian to exit in the first round was Martina Trevisan, overwhelmed by hometown favorite Taylor Townsend.

With six Italian men still in contention, the second round of the US Open promises to be full of interesting challenges. Jannik Sinner will face American Michelsen in what is expected to be a tough match. Mattia Bellucci will look to build on his success against Australian Christopher O'Connell, while Flavio Cobolli has a manageable challenge against Belgian Zizou Bergs. Matteo Arnaldi faces a tough test against Russian Roman Safiullin. The most balanced and intriguing match will be between Matteo Berrettini and 12th seed Taylor Fritz, who will look to leverage the support of the home crowd. Finally, Lorenzo Musetti, as the favorite, will take on Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, with good chances of advancing to the third round. Six Italians remain in the second round, ready to continue their journey in one of the most prestigious tournaments on the circuit.

In the women's draw, four Italians are still in the running. Jasmine Paolini faces another tough round against Czech Karolina Pliskova. Cocciaretto has an almost impossible mission against Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Sara Errani will take on American Caroline Dolehide and has the chance to write another important chapter in her career. Lastly, Bronzetti faces the toughest task, going up against the second seed, Aryna Sabalenka.