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Aryna Sabalenka defeated Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 in the first round of the 2026 US Open.
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The world No. 1 is chasing a third consecutive US Open title, a feat achieved by only Serena Williams and Chris Evert in the Open Era.
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Sabalenka’s ranking is also under threat, with Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff capable of overtaking her in New York.
September 01, (THEWILL) — Aryna Sabalenka has made a winning start to her 2026 US Open title defence, beating Camila Osorio in straight sets as she begins her bid for a historic third consecutive championship in New York.
The world No. 1 overcame the Colombian 6-2, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium to move into the second round, where she will face Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko.
The victory also extended Sabalenka’s impressive run at Flushing Meadows, where she has now won 14 consecutive matches.
Sabalenka entered the tournament with plenty at stake.
She is attempting to become only the third woman in the Open Era to win three successive US Open singles titles, following in the footsteps of American greats Chris Evert and Serena Williams.
The challenge is particularly significant because Sabalenka has not enjoyed the same level of form in recent months that helped her dominate the early part of the season.
After winning Indian Wells and Miami to complete the Sunshine Double, she suffered early exits at both the French Open and Wimbledon.
Sabalenka survives a tricky Osorio test
Aryna Sabalenka in action against Camila Osorio of Colombia in the first round on Day 2 of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2026 in New York City (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)Sabalenka looked in control for much of the opening set, using her power to put Osorio under constant pressure.
The Colombian struggled to match the top seed’s intensity as Sabalenka quickly established a lead.
The second set was more competitive, however, with Osorio creating opportunities to put Sabalenka under pressure.
The world No. 1 responded when it mattered, saving break points before finding the decisive break late in the set and serving out the match.
Sabalenka finished with 32 winners but also produced 23 unforced errors, highlighting that this was not a completely flawless performance.
Still, she showed the composure needed to avoid an early upset and secured victory in one hour and 28 minutes.
After the match, Sabalenka made it clear that she remains confident about her chances of completing the three-peat.
“I’m ready for the fight,” she said, underlining her determination to make history in New York.
World No. 1 ranking also at risk
Sabalenka’s US Open campaign is about more than another Grand Slam trophy. Her position at the top of the WTA rankings is also under serious pressure.
Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff all entered the tournament with a mathematical chance of taking the world No. 1 ranking from her.
Rybakina in particular has closed the gap after a strong season that includes winning the Australian Open.
Sabalenka is defending 2,000 ranking points as the reigning champion, meaning another early exit could have major consequences.
Winning the tournament would give her the strongest possible chance of extending her reign at the top.
That makes the pressure in New York unusual even for a player who has become accustomed to playing for major titles.
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A chance to join Serena and Evert
The bigger prize, though, is history.
Only Evert and Williams have previously won three consecutive US Open women’s singles titles during the Open Era. Sabalenka is now through her opening test and remains on course to join that exclusive list.
The difficulty is that she faces a deep field containing several former Grand Slam champions and players capable of challenging her.
Iga Swiatek also began her campaign with a straight-sets victory, while Amanda Anisimova, Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova were among the other notable winners on Monday.
Sabalenka therefore cannot afford another significant dip in form if she is to make history.
For now, though, the most important thing is that the defending champion is through.
The pressure remains, the world No. 1 ranking is vulnerable and a place alongside Serena Williams and Chris Evert is still some distance away. But Sabalenka has taken the first step, and her US Open three-peat dream remains firmly alive.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
