By Erik Gudris | Sunday, August 24, 2025Photo credit score: Cincinnati Open Fb
As Billie Jean King mentioned, “Strain is a Privilege.”
Prime seed Aryna Sabalenka most likely felt each of these as she entered Arthur Ashe Stadium to start her US Open title protection.
The stress of being each US Open defending champion and nonetheless seeking her first main title of 2025. But additionally the privilege of being the defending champion and opening match play on Ashe Stadium.
And whereas she struggled at first, the World No. 1 actually completed sturdy to place her in the best state of mind for the challenges to come back these subsequent two weeks.
Sabalenka powered previous Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1 to succeed in the second spherical on opening day of the ultimate Grand Slam of the 12 months.
The primary set proved quite a bit nearer than maybe many anticipated because the World No. 109 Masarova hung robust with Sabalenka proper till the top. Masarova, with a potent serve and forehand, earned the primary service break of the set within the fifth sport.
Sabalenka broke proper again however Masarova wouldn’t again down. With each gamers then holding serve, a tiebreak appeared imminent.
But, when Masarova served down 5-6, Sabalenka produced a trademark forehand winner to succeed in set level. Sabalenka confirmed off stellar protection within the subsequent level, attending to a Masarova smash, after which chasing down a brief ball for a winner to seal the set 7-5.
Within the second set, Sabalenka fought off a number of break factors in her opening service sport. Masarova’s personal stage dropped on the incorrect time. The 26-year-old Swiss tossed in two double faults in her subsequent service sport at hand Sabalenka a 2-0 lead.
From there, it was off to the races for Sabalenka. She earned one other break later for 4-0 when Masarova tossed in yet one more premature double fault down break level.
Sabalenka quickly sufficient would shut out the 7-5, 6-1 win in slightly below 90 minutes for her 51st victory on the season.
Sabalenka’s US Open title protection, if she does full it, could be a uncommon one, not less than in the previous few years. No US Open girls’s singles champion has efficiently defended their title since Serena Williams did so again in 2014.
Subsequent for Sabalenka is Polina Kudermetova who she defeated within the Brisbane ultimate earlier this 12 months.
