damAryna Sabalenka began her US Open title defence exactly how a reigning champion should—dominant, composed, and completely in charge. The world number one, who captured her first New York crown last year in a power-packed run, made a statement in her opening match with a smooth, straight-sets victory that left little room for doubt. If there were any whispers of early-round jitters, Sabalenka silenced them with authority.
From the very first game, Sabalenka’s booming serve and heavy groundstrokes dictated play. She kept her opponent scrambling behind the baseline, mixing explosive forehands with clever changes of direction that showcased her evolving tactical maturity. It wasn’t just about raw power—this was about precision and patience too. The Belarusian never looked threatened, holding serve with ease and breaking at key moments to wrap up the match in just over an hour.
The win sets the tone for what could be another memorable fortnight in New York. Sabalenka arrived at Flushing Meadows as the clear favorite, not just because of her top ranking, but because of her remarkable consistency across the 2024 season. Already boasting big runs at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, she has firmly established herself as the woman to beat. And if this opening performance is any indication, her confidence is sky-high.
But the US Open is never a straightforward ride. With Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina lurking in the draw, Sabalenka knows she’ll need to maintain this sharpness deep into the tournament. Still, champions thrive under pressure, and Sabalenka has the aura of someone fully prepared to defend her throne.
For the fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium, it was a perfect opener: the reigning champion walking in with the swagger of world number one, and walking out with a win that looked effortless. For Sabalenka, it was the ideal start to her quest for back-to-back US Open titles—and maybe the beginning of another electrifying run under the New York lights.
Musa
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John Owolabi
