An eventful day for New York giants.

American journeyman Ryan Harrison pushed the towering No. 5 seed Kevin Anderson to the brink in the opening round of the U.S. Open on Monday night before succumbing in five sets 7-6 (4), 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, in brutal humidity on a raucous Court 17.

The 6-foot-8 Anderson — a finalist at the Open last year and again at Wimbledon last month (after winning a legendary semifinal slugfest/snoozefest over John Isner 26-24 in the fifth) — needed every one of his 28 aces to squeak past the 26-year-old Harrison in four hours and 14 minutes.

“I knew I was in for a fight against Ryan,” said Anderson, who is in the top quarter of the draw with No. 1 seed Rafael Nadal.

Harrison, who achieved early tennis fame by winning an ATP-level match at the age of 15 in 2008, was accused by opponent Donald Young of using a racial slur in an altercation during their match at the New York Open on Long Island in February.

Harrison denied it, and the tour said its investigation found no evidence to support Young’s accusation. Still, the incident hangs over Harrison’s career resurgence into the vicinity of the top 50 in the rankings.

Against Anderson, Harrison used an array of drop shots and to keep his ailing opponent on the move and nearly pull off the upset. Anderson received treatment on his lower legs on multiple changeovers.

Harrison made a rousing stand as Anderson tried to serve out the match. He earned a replay after challenging a call on the baseline at 0-30 and from there fought to a break point, which Anderson saved.

Harrison saved a match point to the delight of the crowd, before Anderson finished him off and dropped Harrison’s all-time record to 4-9 in his home country’s major.