Sabalenka wins 6-2, 6-4 to start US Open defence; Tsitsipas upsets Fils
Aryna Sabalenka began her US Open title defence at the tournament on 31 August 2026 with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio, while Stefanos Tsitsipas upset 10th seed Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-4.
Sabalenka, the reigning women’s singles champion, said she is determined to focus on the present after a difficult few months: "The good thing for me is not looking back no matter what, if it’s good or bad, because I feel a good result can also stop you from performing well because you’re basically focusing on the past," and added, "I never look back. If I win the tournament or lose the tournament, today is a new day, and I have to stay in the moment." Her world No 1 ranking is described as being at risk after failing to reach a final for four months, with Elena Rybakina stated as having a strong chance of taking the top spot.
On court Sabalenka produced what the report called a professional opening performance, serving well and overpowering Osorio from the baseline; she eased through the first set and then closed out the match by winning the concluding three games of the second set.
Reflecting on the contest, Sabalenka said: "I had opportunities, I tried to step in," and added, "She played great. She brought the fight and she battled really well, and I just tried to stay as aggressive as possible."
The Cincinnati Open champion Arthur Fils endured what the report described as the biggest upset of the second day, having arrived in New York regarded as one of the title contenders in an open men’s draw but losing after leading 6-4, 5-2 when he balked while attempting to serve for the second set.
After allowing Tsitsipas back into the match, the Greek served strongly and "struck his forehand brilliantly until the end," while Fils was said to have failed to regain the intensity and quality with which he began; Fils commented, "Once the energy went down at the end of the second, I never felt again a good energy," and added, "I have to talk with my team, but at my level to do such a mistake is almost unprofessional."
The victory was noted as an important result for Tsitsipas, who is twice a grand slam singles finalist, fell as low as No 88 in the ATP rankings this year and sits at No 53, and who recently chose to split from his father, who has coached him on-and-off since his childhood; the report states their relationship had become increasingly tense this year, leading Tsitsipas to declare that he does not intend to work with him again.
The report concludes that "This result is a significant step forward as he tries to re-establish himself."