By Erik Gudris | Monday, August 25, 2014

 

Big names like Andy Murray kick off opening round action on Day One at the US Open.

Photo Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Opening Monday at the US Open always brings a mixture of excitement, nerves, and literally fireworks. Here's a look at some matches to watch and some that everyone could be talking about days later.

(1) Novak Djokovic vs. Diego Schwartzman, Ashe Stadium

The second featured night match gives us top seed Djokovic in what is expected to be a routine win for him over the Argentine. In fact, this will be Schwartzman's first ever tour level match on a hard court against one the sport's very best on that surface.

Yet nothing has been routine for Djokovic of late as he's struggled after his Wimbledon victory. Still, this is the kind of opening round match that will help Djokovic knock out any remaining rust from his game.

Pick: Djokovic

(5) Maria Sharapova vs. Maria Kirilenko, Ashe Stadium

If Sharapova was hoping to ease her way into her first round, she won't get that Monday night. Taking on fellow Russian Kirilenko will not be an easy task for Sharapova. Especially if the former champion gets off to a slow start or has serving woes against Kirilenko who is a warrior on court.

Sharapova owns an astonshing 16-0 lifetime record in night matches played inside Ashe Stadium. That stat alone should provide plenty of inspiration to get her the win.

Pick: Sharapova

(19) Venus Williams vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm, Ashe Stadium

Two of the WTA's oldest players square off again in the day session. Both women have provided fans several memorable battles, including a classic at Wimbledon a few years ago. But with Williams playing better this season, this should go the former No. 1's way. Expect some great rallies.

Pick: Williams

(8) Andy Murray vs. Robin Haase, Armstrong Stadium

These two met up at the 2011 US Open to produced one of the most ragged, momentum draining, brawls that Murray barely won. Will these rematch produce better tennis? Let's hope so.

Pick: Murray

(21) Mikhail Youzhny v. Nick Kyrgios, Court 17

An intriguing first time meeting between the Russian veteran and the rising Australian teenager who knocked out Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon. Expect the New York crowd to get behind the always expressive Aussie.

Pick: Kyrgios

Camila Giorgi vs. Anastasia Rodionova, Court 6

A first round match that should be filled with a lot of expressions from all sides of the court and from in the stands. WTA diehards will be all over this one.

Complete order of play can be found here.