Sabalenka beats Osorio at Arthur Ashe to begin US Open bid for third straight title

Aryna Sabalenka beat Camila Osorio 6-2 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 31 August 2026 as she began her defence of the US Open crown and a bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win three consecutive titles there.

Sabalenka entered the tournament as the two-time defending champion but arrives amid a dip in form following a strong start to the season that included an Australian Open final and the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami. The world number one’s position is under pressure after early exits at the French Open and Wimbledon, and she faces the prospect of ending the year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2022. Her run at Flushing Meadows carries extra weight because of the ranking points at stake and the strength of the draw.

Speaking after the match, Sabalenka said: "I really feel my best emotions at this stadium so it means a lot to be back and have an opportunity for a 'three-peat'." She added: "I'm trying to focus on myself. I'm enjoying my time in New York and I'm ready to go out here and do anything it takes to get the wins. "I'm ready for the fight."

The four-time major singles champion began strongly but encountered resistance in the second set, landing 48% of her first serves and committing 12 unforced errors. Sabalenka fended off three break points, produced a decisive sequence at 4-4 and served out the match after one hour and 28 minutes.

When Sabalenka won the Miami Open in April she had a 3,000-point lead atop the rankings, but that margin has eroded. Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina now trails by 434 points and faces American wildcard Thea Frodin on Tuesday. Sabalenka is defending 2,000 points at Flushing Meadows and would need to retain the title while Rybakina falls before the semi-finals to extend her 99-week tenure as world number one; home players Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff could also claim the top ranking if they win the tournament.

Should Sabalenka complete a third straight US Open triumph she would become only the third woman in the Open era to do so after Serena Williams and Chris Evert. The article noted she will have to improve her recent form to navigate a strong draw in New York.

Sabalenka's next opponent is Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko.