World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her US Open 2026 title defence with a hard-fought 6-2, 6-4 victory over Colombia’s Camila Osorio at Flushing Meadows.
The defending champion needed one hour and 27 minutes to secure her 14th consecutive US Open win and extend her remarkable record of 24 straight first-round victories at Grand Slam tournaments. Sabalenka produced 32 winners but also committed 23 unforced errors and four double faults. After dominating the opening set, the Belarusian faced greater resistance in the second as Osorio used drop shots, net approaches and a lob to challenge her.
Sabalenka saved two break points at 3-2 before regaining control. She will next face 22-year-old qualifier Polina Iatcenko in the second round.