The US Open didn’t waste any time delivering a major surprise.
The tournament has barely gotten started, and we’ve already lost a two-time Grand Slam champion.
Barbora Krejčíková is OUT.
The Czech star and No. 27 seed was stunned by Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova, who pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the opening day with a 7-6(4), 6-2 victory.
And just like that, one of the tournament’s most accomplished players is heading home.
😳 Nobody Saw This Coming
Krejčíková wasn’t some unknown player walking into the US Open.
She’s a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, having won the French Open in 2021 and Wimbledon in 2024.
She also came into New York as the No. 27 seed.
That made Rakhimova’s victory even more impressive.
The Uzbek player had to stay composed during a tense first set before taking control of the match in the second.
She eventually converted her seventh match point to complete the upset.
That’s a serious statement.
💥 Rakhimova Just Announced Herself
For Rakhimova, this wasn’t simply another first-round victory.
It was arguably the biggest win of her career.
The 25-year-old came into the tournament ranked outside the world’s top 50 and now finds herself in the second round of a Grand Slam after knocking out one of the most decorated players in the draw.
Talk about making an entrance.
And the way she finished it made the moment even sweeter.
After battling through a marathon final game, Rakhimova finally closed out the match and celebrated one of the biggest victories of her career.
🏆 Krejčíková’s US Open Run Ends Early
For Krejčíková, this is obviously a disappointing start.
She came to New York with Grand Slam experience that most players would love to have.
She’s already won major titles.
She’s played on the biggest courts.
She’s dealt with the pressure.
But none of that mattered once the match started.
Rakhimova attacked her opportunity and refused to let the moment become too big.
And now Krejčíková is the first seeded women’s player eliminated from this year’s tournament.
👀 And This Could Be Just the Beginning
Here’s where things get interesting.
A Grand Slam is a long tournament.
One upset can completely change the draw.
Krejčíková’s early exit means another player now has a potentially easier path deeper into the tournament.
And that’s why every upset matters.
One favorite disappears…
And suddenly the entire bracket looks different.
🔥 The US Open Is Already Delivering
And Krejčíková isn’t the only big storyline from Day 1.
Former US Open champion Marin Čilić withdrew because of injury, while 2022 US Open runner-up Casper Ruud also pulled out because of a back injury.
Meanwhile, American No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula got through her opening match comfortably, beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2.
And Novak Djokovic has arrived in New York chasing something historic:
Grand Slam No. 25.
He’s also trying to become the first player in tennis history to reach that number.
So while one champion has already gone home…
Some of the biggest names in tennis are still waiting to begin their campaigns.
🤔 Could We See More Upsets?
That’s the big question.
If the opening day is any indication, fans might want to buckle up.
Grand Slam tournaments are unpredictable, but seeing a two-time champion eliminated this early immediately puts everyone else on notice.
The message is simple:
Nobody is safe.
Not even the champions.
🎾 The Bottom Line
Barbora Krejčíková came to the US Open as a two-time Grand Slam champion and the No. 27 seed.
She leaves after just one match.
Kamilla Rakhimova produced the upset of the opening day, winning 7-6(4), 6-2 and advancing to the second round.
And now the rest of the women’s draw has something to think about.
Because if a Grand Slam champion can fall on Day 1…
Who could be next?
