Aryna Sabalenka began her defence of the US Open title with a 6-2 6-4 win over Camila Osorio, taking the first step in her bid to become the first woman to win three consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams in 2014. The victory matters beyond the match itself, as the world number one has stumbled since a strong start to the season and is under genuine pressure to keep her top ranking, having gone without a Grand Slam title since 2022 by her own high standards.

Sabalenka cruised through the first set but was tested in the second, landing only 48% of first serves and committing 12 unforced errors before closing out the match in one hour and 28 minutes. Her rankings lead has shrunk from 3,000 points in April to just 434 over Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, meaning Sabalenka must win the title, which carries 2,000 defending points, while hoping Rybakina exits before the semi-finals to preserve her 99-week reign at number one; home favourites Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff could also claim top spot with a title win. She next faces Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko.