Sabalenka blocks out noise to start US Open 'three-peat' bid with victory
Aryna Sabalenka blocks out the noise to overcome a tricky first-round test against Camila Osorio and begin her bid for a historic US Open "three-peat".
In the opening rounds of the 2026 U.S. Open tennis championships in New York, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus secured a victory over Camila Osorio of Colombia with a 6-4, 6-4 score. This win marked the beginning of Sabalenka's campaign to become the first player to win three consecutive U.S. Open championships since Serena Williams' remarkable run from 2012 to 2014.
Following Sabalenka's triumph in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Carlos Alcaraz, the 2025 U.S. Open champion, made his debut in a singles match after recovering from a right wrist injury that kept him sidelined since April. If Alcaraz maintains his health, he could quickly emerge as a formidable favorite, especially with top-ranked Jannik Sinner out due to a knee injury and Novak Djokovic suffering his first first-round exit at Flushing Meadows since 2004.
Djokovic had an impressive streak of 19 first-round wins at the venue, where he claimed four of his 24 Grand Slam titles. Sabalenka expressed her enthusiasm for the venue, stating that it holds a special place in her heart and has delivered her most memorable emotions there. She previously reached the U.S. Open final three times, winning in 2024 and 2023, and topping Amanda Anisimova last year before returning to the final.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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