Britain’s rising star Toby Samuel made a memorable debut at the US Open by securing his first Grand Slam victory, dispatching former top‑20 player Tomáš Macháč in straight sets, while fellow Briton Katie Boulter also progressed after a hard‑fought win. In contrast, veteran Cameron Norrie suffered a third consecutive opening‑round defeat at a major this season, bowing out to France’s Luca Van Assche.
Samuel entered the tournament after battling through three qualifying rounds, a path that tested his stamina and resolve. In the first‑round match, he produced a dominant performance, beating Macháč 6‑2, 6‑3, 6‑2 in just ninety minutes.
His game was built around a powerful serve and crisp groundstrokes, allowing him to dictate play from the outset. Early breaks in both the first and second sets gave Samuel a comfortable cushion, and he never looked back. The Czech opponent, once ranked within the world’s top twenty, could not find a rhythm against the 23‑year‑old’s relentless pressure. The win propelled Samuel into the ATP top‑100 for the first time, a remarkable leap from his 683rd position a year earlier.
His next challenge will be against the 18th seed, fellow Czech Jiri Lehečka, on Wednesday. Samuel reflected on his achievement, saying, “I’m exhausted, but incredibly happy to have gotten the job done.
I played a great match and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me. I hope to keep this level into next week.” He noted that while the first two sets felt almost effortless, he experienced a brief dip at the start of the third before regaining his composure and closing out the match with six straight games.
Samuel’s composure was evident throughout; he committed very few unforced errors and held serve comfortably until the third set, when he was broken once before immediately bouncing back. By winning six consecutive games after that break, he not only secured his first Grand Slam win but also sent a clear message that he belongs on the main stage. On the women’s side, British No. 1 Katie Boulder faced American wildcard Carol‑Young Suh Lee in a match that tested her resolve.
Boulter, 30, appeared to be cruising with a set and a break advantage, but a series of costly double‑faults allowed Lee to claw back into contention. Supported by her husband, Australian player Alex de Minaur, Boulter steadied herself on the lively Court Five, eventually prevailing 6‑4, 3‑6, 6‑0.
The decisive third set showcased her aggressive baseline play and powerful serving, leaving Lee unable to mount a comeback. Looking ahead, Boulter may encounter a formidable opponent in the second round: this year’s Wimbledon runner‑up, Karolína Muchová. A clash with the Czech would be a significant test of Boulter’s form and could set the tone for her US Open campaign.
Cameron Norrie, who has been Britain’s top male player for several years, endured a disappointing exit. He lost 7‑6 (8‑6), 2‑6, 2‑6, 3‑6 to France’s Luca Van Assche, marking his third straight first‑round loss at a major this year.
The opening set was tightly contested, with Norrie edging it in a tiebreak, but his level slipped early in the second set. Van Assche seized the momentum, dominating the baseline exchanges and never looking back. Norrie’s performance waned as the match progressed, and he struggled to regain his early intensity. After being broken early in the fourth set, he rallied to 3‑3 with a series of impressive shots, but Van Assche responded with another break to seal the match and advance to the second round for the first time in his career.
Reflecting on his defeat, Norrie admitted, “I was nervous at the start and it showed in the first set. I managed to take that set, but I couldn’t maintain my energy and momentum. I’d play well for a few games and then drop off, which was frustrating and surprising.
I feel like I lost to myself today.” His recent run to the Winston‑Salem final allowed him to briefly reclaim the British No. 1 spot, but Arthur Fery has since overtaken him in the rankings. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports daily until September 13, with streaming options available on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, offering contract‑free access to tennis fans. In addition to the Open, Sky Sports will also cover the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September, providing further high‑level tennis action for viewers.