New York, Set 2026 : Defending champion and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her US Open title defence in convincing fashion, defeating Colombia’s Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 in the opening round at Flushing Meadows on Monday.
The Belarusian needed one hour and 27 minutes to overcome Osorio and extended her remarkable record at the tournament. The victory was Sabalenka’s 14th consecutive win at the US Open and her 24th straight first-round victory at a Grand Slam, underlining her consistency on the biggest stage.
Sabalenka arrived in New York facing considerable pressure after a challenging period on the WTA Tour. She has not reached a final since completing the Sunshine Double in March, while several recent defeats after holding winning positions had raised questions about her confidence and form.
The stakes are particularly high for the top seed this fortnight as her position at the top of the WTA rankings is also under threat. Sabalenka must successfully defend her US Open title to guarantee that she remains World No. 1.
Against Osorio, Sabalenka relied on her trademark power and aggressive baseline game to eventually secure victory, although the match was far from flawless. She produced 32 winners but also committed 23 unforced errors and four double faults.
The opening set was decided by a series of early service breaks. The first three games all went against the server, with Osorio particularly troubled by her delivery. The Colombian committed five double faults during her first two service games, allowing Sabalenka to gain control and eventually close out the set 6-2.
The second set was much more competitive. Sabalenka earned an early break but was unable to consolidate the advantage, as Osorio began to play with greater confidence. The World No. 59 used a varied approach, combining net approaches, drop shots and an effective lob to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm.
Osorio had a valuable opportunity at 3-2 when she earned two break points, but Sabalenka showed her experience under pressure by saving both chances and holding serve.
With the set level at 4-4, another costly error from Osorio proved decisive. Her ninth double fault handed Sabalenka the opportunity to break, which the defending champion converted. Sabalenka then held her serve to finish the match on her second match point with a service winner.
Sabalenka will next meet 22-year-old qualifier Polina Iatcenko, who earned her first Grand Slam main-draw victory by defeating Renata Zarazua 4-6, 6-4, 7-6[7] in a marathon lasting three hours and 27 minutes.
