Indonesian qualifier Tjen downs 25th seed Kudermetova in early upset

New York: Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen scored an early upset at the US Open on Sunday, ousting Russian 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in three sets to advance to the second round.

Tjen -- who is the first Indonesian to play in the singles main draw of a tennis Grand Slam since Angelique Widjaja at the 2004 US Open -- showed superb poise to prevail 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

The 23-year-old Jakarta-born right-hander took control in the first set, breaking Kudermetova twice before serving out at 6-4.

While Kudermetova hit back to level in the second set, Tjen was soon back on the front foot in the decider.

She grabbed a break in the opening game, and preserved that advantage before confidently holding to love to clinch victory.

Tjen, ranked 149th in the world, will face Britain's Emma Raducanu in the second round.

In-form home hope Ben Shelton got his US Open campaign off to a smooth start with a comfortable straight sets victory over Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse.

Sixth seed Shelton, a semi-finalist in New York two years ago, won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to stay on course for a potential quarter-final meeting with Carlos Alcaraz.

"Starting to feel like home for me," Shelton said after wrapping up victory in 2hr 7min on the main Arthur Ashe Stadium showcourt.

"This is the best court in tennis. It's my favorite place to play, favorite court, favorite tournament."

The big-serving 22-year-old is among a clutch of American men hoping to end the USA's 22-year wait for a Grand Slam singles title.

Shelton was less than a year old when Andy Roddick was the last American man to win a Slam with his victory at the 2003 US Open.

Shelton though insists he is not looking too far ahead following his opening win.

"One step at a time," Shelton said after completing victory in 2hr 7min.

"Trying to get better every day," he added. "As soon as you start looking ahead you stumble over your own feet. So just one game at a time."

Shelton's preparations for the final Grand Slam of the year included his first ATP Masters title with a win at the Canadian Open earlier this month.

Shelton faces either Pablo Carreno Busta or Pablo Llamas Ruiz in the second round.