Sabalenka Opens US Open Title Defence With Commanding Win
The defending champion beat Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 to begin her bid for a third consecutive US Open crown.
Aryna Sabalenka has launched her bid for a third consecutive US Open title with a dominant opening win. Per Sky Sports, she beat Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 to move into the second round, the sort of assured display that has made her the tournament's leading force in recent years.
Her control was clear from the first game. She dictated the rallies, broke down the Osorio serve with steady quality, and took her chances cleanly. The 6-2, 6-4 scoreline reflected the gap in class, with Osorio unable to hold a competitive foothold across the two sets.
The win puts Sabalenka exactly where she wants to be as she chases a third straight title. Arriving at Flushing Meadows among the favourites, she has set a calm, convincing tone for what could be another deep run.
Elsewhere in the draw, there was a breakthrough for a qualifier. Per Sky Sports, Toby Samuel, ranked 683 in the world, beat Tomas Machac 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to claim his first Grand Slam match win—a notable milestone for a player at the very start of his major career.