Day 1 of the US Open 2025 brought a compelling clash to the hard courts of New York, as Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena and France’s Arthur Rinderknech squared off in a first-round marathon. With both men boasting career-best rankings and recent form that demanded attention, anticipation ran high for a contest that would test grit, skill, and endurance. In a match that stretched nearly four hours, Rinderknech managed to halt a spirited comeback attempt from Carballés Baena, ultimately prevailing 6-7(2), 7-5, 4-6, 6-2. The result not only signaled an early exit for the first Spanish player at this year’s tournament, but also set the stage for Rinderknech’s next showdown against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Coming into this encounter, the head-to-head narrative slightly favored Carballés Baena. Their only previous meeting had ended with the Spaniard’s straight-sets victory on the clay courts of Belgrade, a surface where Carballés Baena has historically thrived. The 32-year-old from Tenerife entered the US Open buoyed by a career-high ATP ranking of No. 49 achieved in April 2023, and a growing reputation for grinding out tough wins. Notably, he had claimed his second ATP Tour title in Marrakech after rallying from a set down in multiple matches, and had notched victories over formidable opponents like Denis Shapovalov and David Goffin.
On the other side of the net, Rinderknech arrived with a hard-earned reputation for resilience, particularly on indoor and hard courts. The Frenchman, who broke into the ATP Top 50 in January 2022 and peaked at No. 42 later that year, had demonstrated his ability to dig deep in high-pressure moments. He’d saved match points against the likes of Diego Schwartzman, Pablo Carreño Busta, and Marin Čilić, and had recently notched wins over top-ten talents such as Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev. With both players boasting strong resumes and a penchant for drama, fans were treated to a battle that lived up to expectations.
The match began with both players holding serve confidently, trading blows in lengthy baseline rallies. Carballés Baena, known for his defensive prowess and ability to extend points, looked comfortable early on. He edged the opening set in a tiebreak, 7-6(2), displaying the same tenacity that had carried him to success on clay. But Rinderknech was undeterred. The Frenchman ramped up the aggression in the second set, mixing in powerful serves and flat forehands to keep the Spaniard off balance. After a series of tightly contested games, Rinderknech broke late to claim the set 7-5, leveling the match and signaling that he was far from finished.
The third set saw Carballés Baena dig deep into his reserves, rallying from behind to take it 6-4. At this point, the momentum seemed to be swinging back toward the Spaniard, and memories of his previous comeback wins resurfaced for fans and commentators alike. The crowd sensed a shift—could Carballés Baena pull off another signature rally?
But Rinderknech, who has built his career on resilience and the ability to reset after setbacks, responded with a surge of energy in the fourth. He raced out to an early lead, capitalizing on a dip in Carballés Baena’s first-serve percentage and forcing errors with relentless pressure. The Frenchman’s serve, clocking in at speeds that left his opponent scrambling, became a decisive weapon. Rinderknech closed out the set 6-2 after nearly four hours of play, punching his ticket to the second round and dashing the hopes of a Spanish comeback.
“It was a tough match—Roberto is always a difficult opponent, especially in long rallies,” Rinderknech said after the match, according to tournament organizers. “I had to stay focused and aggressive, especially in the fourth set. I’m happy with how I managed the pressure.”
For Carballés Baena, the loss marked an early and disappointing exit, especially after a season that had seen him climb the rankings and notch impressive victories. Yet, as the first Spanish player to bow out of the US Open 2025, he left the court with the respect of fans and peers for his fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude. His ability to stretch the match to four sets against a surging Rinderknech underscored his reputation as one of the sport’s most relentless competitors.
Rinderknech’s reward for his hard-fought win? A daunting second-round encounter with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, another Spanish star who advanced swiftly through his opening match. Davidovich Fokina, known for his dynamic shot-making and aggressive play, has enjoyed a strong run in recent tournaments, including a notable performance at the Toronto Masters where he reached the last sixteen. Their upcoming clash promises to be another high-octane affair, as both men look to build on their early momentum and make a deep run in New York.
“Facing Davidovich will be a big challenge,” Rinderknech admitted. “He’s playing great tennis right now and has a lot of confidence. I’ll need to recover well and bring my best game.”
The match between Carballés Baena and Rinderknech also offered a snapshot of the broader dynamics at play on the ATP Tour in 2025. Both players have navigated a demanding North American hard court swing, with recent appearances at events in Cincinnati, Winston-Salem, and Toronto. Rinderknech, in particular, has had to overcome adversity in the lead-up to the US Open, including a retirement due to extreme heat at the Cincinnati Masters. Such experiences have only added to his reputation as a player who refuses to back down, no matter the circumstances.
Meanwhile, the spotlight now shifts to the second round, where the stakes will be even higher. With Rinderknech and Davidovich Fokina set to battle for a place in the last thirty-two, fans can expect more fireworks and perhaps another marathon encounter. For Carballés Baena, the focus turns to regrouping and preparing for the challenges ahead, as he looks to build on the positives from his 2025 campaign.
As the US Open 2025 unfolds, Day 1’s epic between Carballés Baena and Rinderknech stands as a testament to the depth and drama of men’s tennis. With new rivalries emerging and established stars being pushed to their limits, the tournament is already delivering the kind of unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat action that makes Grand Slam tennis so irresistible. For Rinderknech, the journey continues—with a new Spanish test on the horizon and the promise of more unforgettable moments under the bright lights of New York.
