Aryna Sabalenka opened her 2026 US Open campaign with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio on August 31 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Sabalenka fired 32 winners in a commanding performance that demonstrated her strong baseline game [1, 2, 4, 8]. The win extended her streak to 16 consecutive first-round straight sets victories at the US Open, highlighting her consistency in the event [7].
The Belarusian aims to become only the third woman in the Open era, after Serena Williams and Chris Evert, to win the US Open three years in a row [1, 3, 4, 8]. "I'm super happy with the level I played. I feel like this is one of my favourite stadiums, I really experienced the best emotions here," Sabalenka said, expressing emotional ties to the venue [1]. She added, "I really feel my best emotions at this stadium so it means a lot to be back and have an opportunity for a 'three-peat'. I'm trying to focus on myself. I'm enjoying my time in New York and I'm ready to go out here and do anything it takes to get the wins. I'm ready for the fight" [3].
Despite a disappointing second half of the 2026 season, Sabalenka maintains confidence and focus. "The good thing for me is not looking back no matter what... I never look back. If I win the tournament or lose the tournament, today is a new day, and I have to stay in the moment," she said [6]. Sabalenka is also defending her world number one ranking at the US Open, currently threatened by players like Elena Rybakina [1, 3, 4, 8]. She has held the top spot for 97 consecutive weeks but faces pressure to hold the lead through this tournament [8].
In the second round, Sabalenka will face Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8].
The men's draw also saw notable results on August 31. Novak Djokovic was stunned by Mariano Navone in the first round, marking Djokovic's first opening round loss in a major in 20 years, after vomiting during the match [2, 5, 6, 8]. Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Arthur Fils, who acknowledged his lack of energy late in the match, calling his mistake "almost unprofessional" [2, 5, 6]. Carlos Alcaraz began his title defense with a win over Roman Safiullin [2, 5, 6]. Daniil Medvedev advanced with a victory over Hugo Gaston and will face wildcard Sebastian Gorzny in the next round [9, 10]. Iga Swiatek also won her first round match and aims for her second US Open title [9, 10]. Swiatek said, "I just feel like my work clicked... I'm happy that this work paid off and it's getting the results now" [9].
The US Open second round is underway through September 2, with top contenders including Sabalenka, Medvedev, and Swiatek preparing for their upcoming matches [9, 10]. Sabalenka's next match against Polina Iatcenko will decide her continuation in the pursuit of an Open era US Open 'three-peat' [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8].
