Sabalenka Beats Osorio 6-4, 6-4 to Launch US Open Title Defense

Aryna Sabalenka secured her 16th consecutive straight-sets opening-round major win by defeating Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 on Monday.

Aryna Sabalenka opened her US Open title defense on Monday with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio. The win marks Sabalenka’s bid to become the first woman to secure three consecutive US Open championships since Serena Williams achieved the feat from 2012 to 2014. This result extended Sabalenka’s streak to 16 consecutive straight-sets victories in the opening rounds of major tournaments, a run dating back to the 2022 French Open, which was the last time she was forced into a deciding set during a first-round Slam match.

Following the match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka noted that the venue is one of her favorites, citing the positive emotions she has experienced there. The world No. 1 entered the tournament following fourth-round exits at Wimbledon, Toronto, and Cincinnati. Despite her status as defending champion, Sabalenka requires external results to maintain her top ranking. Elena Rybakina, the current world No. 2, will overtake Sabalenka if she reaches the semifinals, and could ascend to the top spot without winning a single match if Sabalenka fails to secure the title.

Swiatek and Seeded Players Advance

Third-seeded Iga Swiatek moved into the second round with a 6-2, 6-3 win against Wang Xiyu. This victory improved Swiatek’s career record in opening rounds of majors to 30-1, a .968 winning percentage that ranks as the fourth-best in the Open era. Her only first-round loss occurred at Wimbledon in 2019.

Other seeded players found success on Monday, including No. 6 seed and reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. She was joined in the win column by No. 7 seed Karolina Muchova, who previously lost to Noskova in the All-England Club final. Amanda Anisimova, the No. 10 seed, celebrated her 25th birthday by defeating fellow American Ashlyn Krueger with a score of 6-1, 6-3. Anisimova was the runner-up to Sabalenka in the previous year's US Open final.

American Results and Wardrobe Changes

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, ended a career-worst five-match losing streak in majors by defeating Clara Tauson 6-4, 6-1. This served as Stephens' first victory at a Grand Slam since she beat Elsa Jacquemot at 2024 Wimbledon. In a match delayed by rain from Sunday to Monday, No. 26 seed Emma Navarro defeated Lois Boisson 7-6 (6), 6-7 (1), 6-3. Following the conclusion, cameras captured Boisson smashing her racket as Navarro celebrated the win. Other Americans advancing included Taylor Townsend and Caty McNally, while No. 28 seed Sara Bejlek fell in three sets to Cristina Bucsa.

Sabalenka also addressed a change in her on-court attire, switching from the outfit she wore during a mixed doubles match with Novak Djokovic. She wore a black and orange dress for the day session, explaining she previously did not realize she had a specific day dress provided by Nike. Sabalenka is scheduled to face Polina Iatcenko in the second round. Naomi Osaka was also scheduled for action later Monday evening alongside Swiatek.