Sabalenka Overcomes Early Pressure to Advance Past Osorio

At the US Open’s first round in New York, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka navigated a rocky start to defeat Camila Osorio 6‑2, 6‑4. Osorio’s opening games were marred by five double faults, allowing Sabalenka to claim three early service breaks. Although Sabalenka hit a high tally of winners, she also recorded 23 unforced errors and four double faults, reflecting a mix of aggression and inconsistency.

The win gave Sabalenka her 14th straight US Open triumph and a 24th first‑round Grand Slam victory, reinforcing her position atop the WTA rankings. Since her Sunshine Double in March, Sabalenka has struggled to reach another final, making each early‑round win critical for her title defence.

The second set proved more competitive. Osorio broke once, showcasing a varied game with drop shots and lobs that troubled the top seed. However, Sabalenka responded with clutch serves, saving two break points at 3‑2 and later capitalising on Osorio’s ninth double fault at 4‑4 to secure the decisive break and close out the match.