[REVISION HISTORY]

Sabalenka wins US Open opener amid ranking battle

Updated 14 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-02 18:23 UTC → 2026-09-05 02:09 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Aryna Sabalenka has successfully begun her US Open title defense with a straight-sets victory over Colombia’s Camila Osorio, winning 6-2, 6-4. Despite recording 23 unforced errors and four double faults, the world No. 1 struck 32 winners during the 1-hour and 27-minute match at Flushing Meadows. This win marks Sabalenka’s 14th consecutive victory at the US Open and her 24th consecutive first-round win in Grand Slam tournaments. During the match, Osorio applied pressure through the use of drop shots and net play, forcing Sabalenka to capitalize on Osorio’s double faults to secure the win. Beyond her performance on the court, Sabalenka addressed recent criticism regarding her form following early exits at Wimbledon and other major tournaments. Speaking to Sky Sports, she expressed frustration with social media detractors, stating, “I am so tired of the miserable haters,” and emphasized her commitment to trusting her own process. As the tournament progresses, the battle for the WTA No. 1 ranking ~~remains a central narrative.~~ has expanded. While Sabalenka currently ~~leads with 8,575 points, but Elena Rybakina (8,141 points) maintains a path~~ leads, four players now have mathematical paths to the top spot by the end of the tournament: Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff. Rybakina, ranked second, could ascend to number one if she reaches the ~~semifinals,~~ semifinals. Pegula and Gauff both have paths to the top ranking contingent on ~~Sabalenka’s performance. Rybakina is currently managing a heel injury sustained during~~ winning the ~~Cincinnati Open quarterfinals on August 21. Sabalenka continues~~ tournament and Rybakina failing to ~~pursue a historic third consecutive US Open title, joining~~ reach the ~~ranks of Serena Williams and Chris Evert. In~~ semifinals. As the ~~men’s circuit, Jannik Sinner holds~~ competition enters the ~~No. 1 ranking with 12,800 points, though he has withdrawn from this tournament due~~ third round, several major champions are scheduled to ~~a right knee injury.~~ play, including Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina.

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