Sabalenka begins US Open defence with victory

Aryna Sabalenka began her defence of the US Open title with a controlled 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio. She said she wanted to focus on the future rather than dwell on a difficult few months.

The result came as Sabalenka’s No. 1 ranking faces pressure. She has not reached a final for four months, while Elena Rybakina has a strong chance of taking the top spot. Sabalenka served effectively and overpowered Osorio from the baseline, taking the first set comfortably before closing out the final three games of the second.

The biggest upset on the second day came in the men’s draw, where Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated 10th seed Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-4. Fils had arrived in New York as a contender after winning the Cincinnati Open and led 6-4, 5-2 before faltering while serving for the second set.

Tsitsipas took control after being allowed back into the match, serving well and striking his forehand cleanly through the finish. The Greek, a two-time Grand Slam singles finalist, fell as low as No. 88 in the rankings this year and now sits at No. 53.

The 28-year-old recently split from his father, who had coached him on and off since childhood. Their relationship became increasingly tense this year, and Tsitsipas said he did not intend to work with him again. The victory offers him a strong result as he tries to re-establish himself.