The current US Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka, advanced to the second round of the tournament in New York after a 2-0 (7:5, 6:1) victory over Rebeka Masarova (Switzerland).
A year ago, in the final match of the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula by 2-0 (7:5, 7:5) to win her career-third Grand Slam title i, after having triumphed at the Australian Open twice – in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, the Belarusian tennis player reached the finals of both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, but was defeated by Madison Keys and Cori Coco Gauff, respectively. Thus, the US Open remained Aryna Sabalenka’s only opportunity to win a Grand Slam title this year.
The 27-year-old tennis player began the defense of her trophy successfully, needing 82 minutes to overcome Rebeka Masarova. Aryna Sabalenka needed one set to get used to the surface of Flushing Meadows, but then she went wild and dominated her rival: 7:5, 6:1.
“When I won the first set and you encouraged me, I got goosebumps”, said Aryna Sabalenka, addressing her word to the audience. “Your support means a lot to me. Thank you for coming. It was an incredible atmosphere”, added the leader in the scheme.
Thus, the world number 1 qualified for the second round, where she will face Russian tennis talent Polina Kudermetova. If she overcomes her 22-year-old rival, in the next round Aryna Sabalenka will play either Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemot, or Czech Marie Bouzkova, or 2021 runner-up Leylah Fernandez of Canada.
