Gone, baby, gone

I tried to warn you about the need for a strong beverage today. The first day of the 2015 U.S. Open was indeed a day of carnage. Here is what happened:

A former U.S. Open champion (Svetlana Kuznetsova) and a former Junior U.S. Open champion (Heather Watson) went out in the opening round.

Two former world number 1s (the "Serbian Sisters," Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic) went out, too.

The 2015 U.S. Open Series winner (Karolina Pliskova) went out. In fact, she won only three games against Anna Tatishvili.

10th seed Carla Suarez Navarro is out. Even Daria Gavrilova, who didn't have to face Maria Sharapova again, after all, went out.

Sloane Stephens is gone, too, courtesy of countrywoman CoCo Vandewege. Genie Bouchard, however, is still standing.

Pity Magda Linette, who defeated countrywoman Ula Radwanska; Linette's second round opponent is Aga Radwanska. 

And then there was defending champion Serena Williams, who faced an obviously injured Vitalia Diatchenko, who retired after Williams had achieved a 6-0, 2-0 score against her. Williams won't get a real warmup until she plays Kiki Bertens in the second round.

USA players who advanced today were Serena Williams, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, CoCo Vandeweghe, Madison Keys, Venus Williams, Madison Brengle, Anna Tatishvili, Lauren Davis, and Jessica Pegula. USA players in action tomorrow are Nicole Gibbs, Louisia Chirico, Christina McHale, and Shelby Rogers.

Also in action tomorrow is 2011 champion Sam Stosur, who will face Timea Babos.