Aryna Sabalenka defeated Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 in the first round of the US Open on Monday, progressing in her bid to become the first player since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to win the title three consecutive years.
How did Sabalenka perform?
Sabalenka's serve was uneven, recording five aces and four double faults, but Osorio struggled more severely with three aces and nine double faults. Sabalenka broke Osorio three times in the first set and secured a crucial break at 4-4 in the second, closing out the match in 87 minutes. After the match, Sabalenka told the crowd, "I feel like this is one of my favourite courts. I have really lived unforgettable moments here," according to RDS.
What is Sabalenka's ranking situation?
Sabalenka has reached the last three US Open finals, losing to Coco Gauff in 2023 before winning the following two editions. However, her path to retaining the world No. 1 ranking is complicated. Elena Rybakina, currently ranked No. 2, will surpass Sabalenka if she reaches the semi-finals, and Rybakina needs no additional wins to claim the top spot if Sabalenka fails to win the title. Sabalenka was eliminated in the round of 16 at Toronto and Cincinnati, as well as at Wimbledon, before this first-round victory.
What about Leylah Fernandez?
Québec's Leylah Annie Fernandez advanced past Shuai Zhang in the opening round and has now learned her second-round opponent. Sabalenka will face Polina Iatcenko in the next round, who defeated Mexico's Renata Zarazua in a match lasting more than three hours on Sunday.
Sources
- RDS: Sabalenka progresse; Fernandez connaît sa prochaine rivale. RDS, 2026-08-31.
Reported from public sources.