Sabalenka Opens US Open Title Defence With Straight-Sets Victory

Aryna Sabalenka began her US Open women’s singles title defence with a 6-2, 6-4 first-round victory over Camila Osorio. The Guardian reported that the world No. 1 combined strong serving with aggressive baseline play to complete the straight-sets win and move safely into the next round in New York.

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Sabalenka controlled the opening set and then finished the second by taking its final three games. Osorio competed more closely during that set, but the defending champion maintained the attacking approach that had put her in front. Sabalenka said afterward that she tried to remain as aggressive as possible while acknowledging the resistance presented by her opponent.

The result gave Sabalenka a positive opening to a tournament in which her top ranking is under pressure. According to The Guardian, she had not reached a final for four months entering the US Open, while Elena Rybakina had a strong opportunity to challenge for the No. 1 position. Sabalenka said her focus was on remaining in the present rather than looking back at previous results.

There was a notable result in the men’s draw as Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated 10th seed Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-4. Fils, who arrived after winning the Cincinnati Open, led by a set and was ahead 5-2 in the second before the match changed direction.

Tsitsipas took the second-set tiebreak and then controlled the third set before closing the match in four. The Guardian reported that the Greek player served effectively and struck his forehand strongly after being allowed back into the contest. Fils said his energy dropped late in the second set and did not return to the level he had produced earlier.

The victory marked an important advance for Tsitsipas after a difficult period in the rankings. A two-time Grand Slam singles finalist and former world No. 3, he had fallen as low as No. 88 during the year and entered the event ranked 53rd. The 28-year-old had also recently separated from his father as coach, making the comeback win a significant early result in his attempt to rebuild his position on the men’s tour.