Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her US Open defense with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Rebeka Masarova on Sunday.
The reigning champion avoided an early banana skin against the world No. 108, recovering from a break in the opening set, before dominating in the second at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Aryna Sabalenka: Your support means a lot to me, and thank you so much for coming here today and supporting us. It’s been a fantastic atmosphere.
Despite flashes of brilliance and consistent progression to the later stages, Sabalenka has yet to win a Major this year. She looked ready to build on her successful 2024 run at Flushing Meadows by retaining her crown in Melbourne in January, but was stunned in the final by Madison Keys, who was phenomenal on the day. Fast forward to June in Paris, and the Belarusian struggled with the wind and her own temperament, as Coco Gauff ousted her in her bid for a first Roland Garros title.
At Wimbledon, the 27-year-old unravelled in her semi-final clash with Amanda Anisimova, who edged the favourite in a thrilling three-setter. Iga Świątek went on to double-bagel the American in the final of The Championships to complete the ‘Surface Slam.’
Photo courtesy The Independent
While Sabalenka remains the world No. 1, she has only won Slams on hardcourt, while the Pole has won double the number of overall Majors that she has.
Sabalenka withdrew from the Canadian Open before being eliminated in Cincinnati by Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinal. Nevertheless, she is back on her favoured surface and has an opportunity to close out the year with another Grand Slam.
The talent is undeniable, but her mentality has appeared fragile at times this season. Frustration has cost her before, just as it did against Gauff at the French Open.
However, if she can return to her 2024 level, which saw her dominate in both Melbourne and New York, she has every chance of securing back-to-back US Open titles.
Świątek appears to be Sabalenka’s biggest threat. Martina Navratilova is one of many who believe the 24-year-old will build on her Wimbledon and Cincinnati wins with another title in New York.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, Sabalenka will be looking to display the same quality that she showed in the second set against Masarova when she takes on Polina Kudermetova. Elsewhere, 2021 champion Emma Radacanu blitzed Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 to progress into the second round.
Second seed Świątek embarks on her quest for a second US Open title on Tuesday against Emiliana Arango, while Gauff faces Ajla Tomljanović.
