America's Andrew Douglas won his first match at the PSA U.S. Open in Philadelphia ©PSA

American Andrew Douglas stunned Lucas Serme of France at the U.S. Open in Philadelphia to reach the second round of a Professional Squash Association Platinum tournament for the first time.

Douglas, ranked 119th in the world, overcame an opponent that sits 83 places above him in the standings.

He defeated Serme 11-6, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5 in 75 minutes at Drexel University Daskalakis Athletic Center, setting up a clash with Campbell Grayson of New Zealand. 

"I didn’t expect to be here, but it’s an amazing feeling," said Douglas.

"I have to thank everybody that has come to cheer me on. 

"It means a lot for them to come out and support me and undoubtedly I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.

"I think he was probably a bit nervous, so I wanted to put pressure on him and I wanted to really enjoy the last game without thinking too much about the score and that’s what ended up helping me win the match and maybe helping him feel a bit on edge. 

"I just tried to enjoy every minute on this court and I played well."

Grayson faced a battle against Egypt's Youssef Soliman, eventually triumphing 11-5, 13-15, 11-7, 6-11, 12-10.

Wildcard Sabrina Sobhy of the United States will play second seed Camille Serne in the next round of the PSA U.S. Open after returning to the tournament following a three-year absence ©PSA
Wildcard Sabrina Sobhy of the United States will play second seed Camille Serne in the next round of the PSA U.S. Open after returning to the tournament following a three-year absence ©PSA

There was more success for the hosts in the women's competition, with wildcard Sabrina Sobhy returning to the U.S. Open for the first time in three years. 

She held off Mayar Hanar of Egypt to win 13-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-3, but faces a tough challenge next against second seed Camille Serme, sister of Lucas. 

"I was happy with my performance today, the first match of any tournament is always a little nerve-wracking," Sobhy said.

"Especially with it being in the US, I have family and so many friends that have come out to watch me, so I didn’t want to underperform and lose in 20 minutes after they’ve come out here all the way. 

"I found my game, felt comfortable and enjoyed it out there."

America's number two Olivia Blatchford Clyne was also in action, defeating England’s Lucy Turmel 11-6, 5-11, 11-9, 11-7.

She is now set to take on fifth seed Joelle King of New Zealand.

The second round of competition will be played tomorrow, when the top seeds enter the draw.