Aryna Sabalenka made a routine start to her bid for a third consecutive US Open title on Monday, while Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka also came through testing early tests at Flushing Meadows as the 2026 tournament gathered pace in New York.
What Happened?
Defending champion Sabalenka beat Colombia’s Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 in her opening match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, extending her extraordinary record in the first round of Grand Slam tournaments. The world number one is chasing a third straight US Open crown, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014.
Elsewhere on a packed second day of the tournament, eighth seed Iga Swiatek eased past China’s Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3, while thirteenth seed Naomi Osaka fought through a pair of tiebreaks to beat Anastasia Zakharova 7-6, 7-6 in her tournament debut this year. Former champion Stan Wawrinka also played what he confirmed would be his final Grand Slam singles match, losing in straight sets to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.
Latest Update
Sabalenka’s straight-sets win was her sixteenth consecutive first-round victory without dropping a set at a Grand Slam, a run that stretches back to the 2022 French Open. Despite the routine scoreline, Sabalenka has endured a difficult run of form coming into New York, having been knocked out in the fourth round of both her Toronto and Cincinnati tune-up events after also exiting Wimbledon at the same stage.
That dip in form has consequences beyond this tournament alone. Sabalenka is currently at risk of losing her world number one ranking, with Elena Rybakina able to overtake her simply by reaching the semi-finals in New York, regardless of how Sabalenka herself performs. Sabalenka next faces Polina Iatcenko in the second round.
Swiatek, who beat Sabalenka en route to her only US Open title back in 2022, described her own performance against Wang as satisfying, saying it was a good day in the office and that she felt strong energy and intensity from the outset that she intends to carry into her next match. Her win moved her to 30 wins from 31 opening matches at Grand Slam tournaments across her career, a mark bettered by only a handful of players in the modern era.
Osaka’s win over Zakharova was more of a battle, with both tiebreaks going the distance before the former world number one closed it out. Also advancing were Jessica Pegula, Karolina Muchova and twentieth seed Taylor Townsend, while there were exits for several seeded players including sixth seed Linda Noskova’s opponent Sinja Kraus.
Why It Matters
For Sabalenka, this US Open represents a chance to cement a piece of tennis history by winning three consecutive titles at the same major, something achieved only rarely in the sport’s modern era. A deep run would also help protect her hold on the world number one ranking heading into the closing months of the season.
For Swiatek, a confident start builds on her record of consistency in the opening rounds of Grand Slam events and keeps alive her hopes of adding a second US Open title to her collection of six Grand Slam singles crowns.
For the ranking race, Rybakina’s position just behind Sabalenka means every match in New York now carries extra significance for the world number one battle, adding an additional narrative layer to the closing stages of the tournament.
For fans, the tournament also marked an emotional moment with Wawrinka’s farewell to Grand Slam singles tennis, closing the book on a career that included three major titles.
What Happens Next?
The US Open continues through to September 13, with both Sabalenka and Swiatek moving into the second round on course to meet deeper in the draw if their form holds. Sabalenka is next scheduled to face Polina Iatcenko, while Swiatek continues her campaign against her next assigned opponent. Rybakina’s own results through the coming rounds will determine whether she overtakes Sabalenka at the top of the WTA rankings regardless of the outcome in New York.
Key Facts
- Aryna Sabalenka beat Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 to open her US Open title defense.
- Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to win three straight US Open titles.
- Iga Swiatek beat Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3 in her opening match.
- Naomi Osaka won a two-tiebreak battle against Anastasia Zakharova, 7-6, 7-6.
- Elena Rybakina can overtake Sabalenka for the world number one ranking by reaching the semi-finals.
- Stan Wawrinka played his final Grand Slam singles match, losing to Matteo Berrettini.
- The 2026 US Open runs through September 13 in Flushing Meadows, New York.
FAQ
Did Aryna Sabalenka win her first match at the 2026 US Open?
Yes, Sabalenka beat Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets to open her title defense.
Can Sabalenka win a third straight US Open title?
She is attempting to do so; no woman has won three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014.
Is Sabalenka’s world number one ranking at risk?
Yes. Elena Rybakina can overtake Sabalenka at the top of the rankings simply by reaching the semi-finals in New York, no matter how Sabalenka herself performs.
How did Iga Swiatek perform in her opening match?
Swiatek beat Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3, continuing her strong record of 30 wins in 31 career opening matches at Grand Slam events.
Where can fans follow the latest US Open 2026 results?
Live scores and updates are available through the official US Open website as well as major sports broadcasters covering the tournament through its conclusion on September 13.
