US Open 2025: Five biggest upsets so far after opening week

Several seeded players were sent packing early in New York.

The opening week of the US Open 2025 delivered a wave of shocks that rattled both the men’s and women’s draws, as several seeded-players and tournament favourites were eliminated in dramatic fashion.

Once again, New York’s electric energy and relentless crowds played a role in upending predictions, providing a platform for lesser-known names and underdogs to shine under the lights of Flushing Meadows.

While big names like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka survived despite being put under the pump, the elimination of home favourites and seeded has yet again cemented the aura of unpredictability over the Grand Slam event.

Let’s dive into the five biggest upsets from the first week of US Open 2025, where dreams were dashed, and new stories were written on the hard courts of New York.

Biggest upsets in first week of US Open 2025

5. Ben Shelton lost to Adrian Mannarino

Adrian Mannarino reached his first US Open fourth round after Ben Shelton retired with a left-shoulder injury while leading two sets to one, with the score at 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 (ret.) in a gruelling three-hour battle on Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Shelton, who had been enjoying a breakthrough summer with his maiden Masters 1000 title in Toronto, described the pain as the worst of his life and left the court in tears after his first career retirement.

A reminder 👇 – No high-profile clothing sponsors – Strings strung at 24lbs (half what is ‘standard’ on the Tour)– Uses the same racket all match long – 37 years-old– Through to his FIFTH Fourth Round at the Majors, FIRST at the US Open! Adrian Mannarino! 👏 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ZlEeoqphKd

— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 29, 2025

4. Madison Keys lost to Renata Zarazúa

Renata Zarazúa stunned No. 6 seed Madison Keys in the opening round of the 2025 US Open, which went on for three-hours and 10-minutes.

Despite losing a tight first set where she held five set points, the Mexican fought back from 0-3 down in the second to level the match and sealed the decider with clutch shot-making.

This breakthrough makes Zarazúa the first Mexican woman to defeat a top-10 seed at a Grand Slam since 1995, showcasing her resilience and composure on one of tennis’ biggest stages. She lost to France’s Diane Parry in the second round.

Also Read: Top five biggest upsets in US Open history feat. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic & more

3. Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe lost to Jan-Lennard Struff

Jan-Lennard Struff stunned 15th seed Holger Rune at the 2025 US Open round two, delivering a commanding performance to secure a major upset and advance to the next round, showcasing his aggressive baseline play and composure under pressure.

The German then went on to stun 17th seed Frances Tiafoe 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 at the third round, marking the American’s earliest exit since 2019.

2. Mirra Andreeva lost to Taylor Townsend

Taylor Townsend delivered a major upset under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights, defeating No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-2 to reach the US Open fourth round.

Showcasing aggressive net play and a commanding serve, the 29-year-old American secured her third career top-10 win and first in over two years, closing out the match in just 76 minutes.

Andreeva once again lost her composure under pressure and against the hostilities of the American crowd, to cap off a disappointing singles campaign at the Flushing Meadows.

Also Read: Top 10 biggest upsets in Grand Slam history

1. Alexander Zverev lost to Felix Auger Aliassime

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev’s US Open 2025 campaign ended in the third round as he fell to Canada’s 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in a four-set battle, 4-6, 7-6(7), 6-4, 6-4.

Despite taking the opening set and holding a crucial set point in the second, the German lost momentum as Auger-Aliassime kept his composure during a tense tie-break where he enjoyed some luck, shifting the match in his favour.

Have a night, Felix Auger-Aliassime! pic.twitter.com/wcbqw9mjiR

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2025

The contest lasted 3 hours and 48 minutes, marking Zverev’s earliest US Open exit since 2018 and adding to his disappointing Wimbledon first-round loss.

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