Defending Champion Aryna Sabalenka Wins Her First Match at the US Open

All eyes were on Aryna Sabalenka as she stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium to open her US Open title defense, and she didn’t disappoint. The Belarusian powerhouse, who stormed to the championship in New York last year with a blistering brand of tennis, began her campaign with a confident first-round victory that sent a message to the rest of the field: she’s here to defend what’s hers.

From the first serve, Sabalenka looked sharp, unleashing her trademark combination of booming groundstrokes and unrelenting aggression. The nerves that sometimes creep into her opening matches were nowhere in sight; instead, she played with the composure of someone who knows exactly what it takes to go all the way in Flushing Meadows. Her serve, a weapon that often sets the tone, was firing on all cylinders, giving her opponent little chance to settle into the match.

For Sabalenka, this win wasn’t just about advancing—it was about setting the tone. As the defending champion, the pressure is heavier than ever, with rivals like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina circling hungrily. Every step Sabalenka takes will be scrutinized, every set dissected, every slip magnified. But if her opener was any indication, she’s more than ready for the challenge.

Fans in the stands and around the world were reminded why Sabalenka has become one of the most electrifying forces in tennis. Her mix of raw power, emotional fire, and fearless shot-making makes her a must-watch, and the energy she brings to the court is tailor-made for the New York stage.

Of course, the road ahead will only get tougher. The US Open draw is loaded with potential landmines, and history tells us defending a Slam is often harder than winning it the first time. But Sabalenka thrives on pressure, and with one win under her belt, her confidence is only growing.

The message was clear after her first-round triumph: Aryna Sabalenka isn’t just here to participate—she’s here to fight for back-to-back glory. And if her opponents thought last year was her peak, they might be in for a rude awakening. The champion has arrived, and she’s not planning to give up her crown without a war.