New York (AFP) – Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka started her path to a third straight US Open title this Monday with a convincing victory against Colombian María Camila Osorio.
First modification: 08/31/2026 - 19:25
The world number one beat Osorio (59th) 6-2 and 6-4 in the first duel of the program on the center court in New York.
"I'm super happy with my level, especially in the first set," congratulated Sabalenka, who goes to the last Grand Slam of the year under pressure.
The Belarusian, without major titles this season, not only carries the pressure of defending her status as champion but also her WTA leadership, threatened by the Kazakh Elena Rybakina.
The 28-year-old tennis player had to roll up her sleeves in the second set to end the resistance of Osorio, who did not mind her debut on the largest tennis court in the world.
Even so, the 24-year-old player from Cúcuta failed at key moments and said goodbye for the fourth year in a row in the opening round, this time in a season in which she had reached the third season at Roland Garros.
After surrendering the first set in 40 minutes, Osorio stood up in the second set despite receiving a break in the opening game.
The Colombian returned the break and her game gained confidence until she received a standing ovation with quality shots such as a backhand shot into the net to advance 3-2.
In the next game she had her big opportunity with two break points that Sabalenka contained so as not to lose control of the match.
The Belarusian then achieved the break she needed to finish the fight in one hour and 27 minutes of play.
The Russian Polina Iatcenko, who eliminated the Mexican Renata Zarazúa on Sunday, will be Sabalenka's next rival, who arrived at her New York fiefdom amid doubts due to a drop in play since her double at the beginning of the year in Indian Wells and Miami.
The other Colombian in Flushing Meadows, Emiliana Arango, was also eliminated on Sunday against the Chinese Wang Xinyu.
© 2026 AFP
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