Sabalenka defeats Osorio to begin US Open three-peat bid, August 31

Aryna Sabalenka opened her 2026 US Open campaign with a straight-set victory over Camila Osorio on August 31. Per BBC Sport, Sabalenka won 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 28 minutes. Osorio, ranked 52nd, offered limited resistance as Sabalenka struck through the match, landing 48 percent of her first serves, hitting 12 unforced errors, and fending off three break points.

The victory begins Sabalenka's pursuit of a historic third consecutive US Open title. According to BBC Sport, if she succeeds, she would join only Serena Williams and Chris Evert as women to win three straight US Open crowns in the Open era. Sabalenka told BBC Sport: "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'." She added: "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."

Sabalenka's path to the title carries weight beyond the trophy itself. Per BBC Sport, her world No. 1 ranking now sits under serious threat. She held a 3,000-point lead atop the rankings when she won the Miami Open in April, according to the reporting. That margin has eroded to 434 points ahead of Elena Rybakina, the Australian Open champion. Sabalenka is defending 2,000 points at the US Open and maintains a 99-week reign at No. 1.

To extend her world No. 1 ranking, Sabalenka must win the title and hope Rybakina falls before the semi-finals, per BBC Sport. Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff could also secure the No. 1 ranking with a title triumph, according to the reporting. Sabalenka's form has wavered in recent months, with early exits at the French Open and Wimbledon by her high standards, per BBC Sport. She risks ending the year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2022.

Sabalenka's earlier achievements this season include the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami), per BBC Sport, and a run to the Australian Open final. Her next opponent is Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko. Rybakina faces American wildcard Thea Frodin on Tuesday, per BBC Sport.