{
  "id": 4709927,
  "title": "Sabalenka begins US Open defence, men's draw blown open with second big exit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/sabalenka-begins-us-open-defence-mens-draw-blown-open-with-second-big",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T20:35:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-01/aryna-sabalenka-begins-us-open-title-defence-arthur-fils-out/107100648"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aryna Sabalenka began her pursuit for three consecutive US Open titles with a resounding 6-2, 6-4 win over Colombia's Camila Osorio at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This victory marks the start of her journey to regain her dominance after a period of failing to reach finals since March. In the men's draw, Arthur Fils, the 10th seed, suffered a first-round upset, becoming the second major name to exit after Novak Djokovic's shocking loss on the opening day. American Amanda Anisimova, who recently turned 25, also won her first-round match in a strong opening performance as she celebrated her birthday. The world number 10 claimed a 6-1, 6-3 win over Ashlyn Krueger on her birthday, setting up a second-round matchup with Lilli Tagger. Meanwhile, Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas stunned tournament newcomer Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4, advancing to face South African Lloyd Harris. Seven matches were postponed due to rain on Sunday night, with organizers benefitting from an extended first-round schedule in the 2025 tournament.",
  "summary": "Aryna Sabalenka got off to a winning start in her quest for a third successive US Open title on Monday while men's 10th seed Arthur Fils exited, as the second day of the tournament kicked off after Novak Djokovic's shock defeat left another major hole in the men's field.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "Gutsy Birrell breaks new ground at US Open as day two starts well for Australia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/gutsy-birrell-breaks-new-ground-at-us-open-as-day-two-starts-well-for",
        "published": "2026-08-31T19:50:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "Gutsy Birrell breaks new ground at US Open as day two starts well for Australia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/gutsy-birrell-breaks-new-ground-at-us-open-as-day-two-starts-well-for-4705140",
        "published": "2026-08-31T19:50:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Aussie Birrell saves match point, advances to US Open second round",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/aussie-birrell-saves-match-point-advances-to-us-open-second-round",
        "published": "2026-08-31T20:15:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Alcaraz makes confident return with US Open first round win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/alcaraz-makes-confident-return-with-us-open-first-round-win",
        "published": "2026-08-31T20:28:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}