Aryna Sabalenka, the defending women's singles champion, opened her US Open title defence with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio on the opening day of competition. The result marked a professional start for the world No. 1, who served with precision and dominated from the baseline throughout the match.
Sabalenka's performance came amid mounting pressure on her ranking. Having failed to reach a final in four months, she faces the prospect of losing her world No. 1 status to Elena Rybakina, making a deep run at Flushing Meadows essential to her ambitions. Despite this backdrop, Sabalenka emphasised her commitment to focusing on the present rather than past setbacks.
The good thing for me is not looking back no matter what, if it's good or bad, because I feel a good result can also stop you from performing well because you're basically focusing on the past. 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.
Sabalenka progressed through the opening set with relative ease, then accelerated through the final three games of the second set to seal the match. When asked about her opponent's performance, Sabalenka acknowledged Osorio's competitive spirit while highlighting her own aggressive approach.
I had opportunities, I tried to step in. She played great. She brought the fight, and she battled really well, and I just tried to stay as aggressive as possible.
The match took place on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, 31 August 2026, beginning at 4:30pm, as part of a high-profile day-two lineup that included other top-seeded players.
How did Tsitsipas pull off the upset against Fils?
Stefanos Tsitsipas delivered the most significant shock of the second day by eliminating Arthur Fils, the 10th seed and Cincinnati Open champion, in a four-set encounter. The scoreline of 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-4 masked the dramatic nature of the turnaround, as Fils held a commanding position before faltering at a crucial juncture.
Fils had built a commanding lead of 6-4, 5-2 and was serving for the second set when his performance collapsed. Once the Frenchman allowed Tsitsipas back into the contest, the Greek player's serving and forehand striking became increasingly dominant, while Fils struggled to recapture the intensity and precision that had characterised his opening performance. The match was contested on Louis Armstrong Stadium from 4pm.
Once the energy went down at the end of the second, I never felt again a good energy. I have to talk with my team, but at my level, to do such a mistake is almost unprofessional.
What does this result mean for Tsitsipas's comeback?
For Tsitsipas, the victory represents a watershed moment in his attempt to restore his career trajectory. The 28-year-old, a two-time Grand Slam singles finalist, had descended to as low as No. 88 in the ATP rankings during 2026 and currently occupies No. 53. This triumph against a top-10 opponent signals a significant step forward in his rehabilitation as a title contender.
Tsitsipas's resurgence comes at a time of personal and professional transition. He recently ended his coaching relationship with his father, who had guided him intermittently since childhood. The partnership had grown increasingly strained throughout the year, culminating in Tsitsipas's public declaration that he does not intend to work with his father again. The victory at Flushing Meadows provides tangible evidence that the coaching change may be yielding positive results.
What lies ahead in the tournament?
Sabalenka's path to retaining her title continues in the coming rounds, with her ranking defence dependent on a sustained run through the draw. The tournament featured a competitive day-two schedule that included other major contenders, setting the stage for a competitive fortnight ahead.
Tsitsipas, meanwhile, will look to build on his upset victory and continue his climb back up the rankings. His performance against Fils demonstrated that the technical and mental elements of his game remain intact, provided he can maintain consistency and confidence through successive rounds.
Key Facts
- Sabalenka defeated Osorio 6-2, 6-4 to begin her US Open title defence on 31 August 2026
- Sabalenka's world No. 1 ranking is at risk, with Elena Rybakina positioned to take top spot if the defending champion fails to win the title
- Tsitsipas upset 10th seed Fils 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-4 in the day's biggest shock
- Tsitsipas, currently ranked No. 53, has recovered from a low of No. 88 earlier in 2026 following a coaching split from his father
- Fils held a commanding 6-4, 5-2 lead before losing momentum and allowing Tsitsipas to dominate the final two sets
