Sabalenka to face Osorio in US Open 2026 first round on August 31
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will begin her US Open 2026 campaign against World No. 61 Camila Osorio at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 31, the second day of the tournament.
Sabalenka arrives under pressure as the Belarusian’s World No. 1 ranking could disappear if she fails to lift the crown, and her recent form has been described as uncharacteristic; she is yet to win a Major title this year and has not won a tournament since Miami. The 28-year-old hopes to rediscover form at a Slam where she has had success, and Barbora Krejcikova’s opening-round exit has been reported to have opened up Sabalenka’s draw.
Osorio comes into New York on the back of a three-match losing streak and is said to have had an inconsistent season, with her best recent showing at Roland Garros where she reached the third round. The Colombian faces a significant challenge against a player who, according to the preview, has won four Grand Slams.
The pair have met twice previously with Sabalenka leading the head-to-head 2-0; their most recent meeting was in Madrid in 2023 and the preview noted this US Open match will be their first meeting on hard court. Their only prior Grand Slam encounter took place at Wimbledon 2021, where Sabalenka won 6-0, 6-3 in the third round.
The preview states Sabalenka looked good in her US Open mixed doubles match alongside Novak Djokovic and that she will aim to find her rhythm quickly. On the subject of her US Open clothing, Sabalenka is quoted as saying, "When Nike went pretty simple & standard they were complaining. When Nike went really cool & fun & trying to get back, they always complain" and "I love basically everything about my outfit. I love…"
The analysis in the preview predicts Sabalenka is expected to register a comfortable win, forecasting "Aryna Sabalenka to win in straight sets," and suggesting Osorio will struggle with Sabalenka’s aggression in baseline exchanges. Broadcast details provided in the preview state Indian viewers can watch on the Star Sports network and stream on JioHotstar; UK coverage is on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+ or via a NOW Sports Pass; and in the USA the match will be on ESPN and ESPN+, with live TV streaming services carrying ESPN — including Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Orange Plan), and YouTube TV — also providing access.
The first-round match between Sabalenka and Osorio will be played at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 31 (Monday) and is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am local time (9 pm IST).
