Aryna Sabalenka defeated Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday to begin her pursuit of a third consecutive US Open title. The world No. 1 needed one hour and 28 minutes to dispatch the 52nd-ranked Osorio, marking her 16th consecutive straight-sets victory in opening rounds of major tournaments, according to ESPN.
Can Sabalenka win a historic third straight US Open?
If Sabalenka claims the title again, she would become only the third woman in the Open era to win three consecutive US Open championships, joining Serena Williams (2012–14) and Chris Evert, according to BBC Sport. Sabalenka has already won the past two US Open titles, defeating Amanda Anisimova in 2025 and Coco Gauff in 2024.
What is at stake for the world No. 1 ranking?
Sabalenka's path to retaining the world No. 1 ranking is complicated. She established a 3,000-point lead at the top after winning Miami in April, but early exits at the French Open and Wimbledon have eroded that cushion. Elena Rybakina now trails by just 434 points and will overtake Sabalenka if she reaches the semi-finals, regardless of Sabalenka's result. Sabalenka is defending 2,000 points at Flushing Meadows, meaning she must win the title and hope Rybakina falls before the semi-finals to extend her 99-week reign at No. 1.
What happened in Sabalenka's second-round matchup?
Sabalenka will face Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko in the second round. The defending champion defeated Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium, according to Tennisuptodate, though a post-match press conference drew attention when Sabalenka objected to a question about her off-court activities in New York, telling the reporter to "think before you say stuff."
Other title contenders advanced on day five of the women's draw. Iga Swiatek defeated Nadia Podorska 6-3, 6-2, Naomi Osaka beat Kateřina Siniáková 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, and Madison Keys survived five match points to edge Anna Bondár 5-7, 6-4, 7-6.
Sources
- ESPN: Aryna Sabalenka wins in straight sets to begin US Open defense. ESPN News Services, 2026-08-31.
- BBC Sport: US Open 2026 results: Aryna Sabalenka beats Camila Osorio to begin 'three-peat' bid. BBC Sport, 2026-08-31.
- Tennisuptodate.com: LIVE US Open WTA Day Five. Tennisuptodate.com, 2026-09-03.
- Tennisuptodate.com: Aryna Sabalenka snaps at reporter after awkward US Open question. Tennisuptodate.com, 2026-09-03.
Reported from public sources.