US Open Update: Sabalenka Battles Past Masarova in Straight Sets

Sabalenka overcomes slow start to reach US Open second round

Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion, secures a 7-5, 6-1 win over Rebeka Masarova at the US Open, advancing to the second round.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her US Open title defense with a convincing 7-5, 6-1 win over Switzerland's Rebeka Masarova at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. After a shaky start, Sabalenka asserted her dominance, showcasing her skills to secure a spot in the second round.

Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, faced some challenges in the first set but managed to pull through, winning 7-5. She then took control of the match in the second set, winning 6-1 and demonstrating her prowess on the court. With this win, Sabalenka advances to the second round, where she'll face Polina Kudermetova.

Sabalenka has had a previous matchup with Kudermetova earlier this year, winning in three sets 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. The world No. 1 is looking strong this season, with a 95-26 win-loss record at Grand Slams and 18-3 in 2025. Her victory over Masarova marks her 20th consecutive time advancing past the first round of a major.

Aryna Sabalenka in her Lightning McQueen era 🏎️ pic.twitter.com/AQ4V4CYbwB

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 24, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka faced a setback early in the match, surrendering a break to fall behind 3-2 in the first set. However, the Belarusian quickly adjusted her game, breaking back to level the set at 3-3. She then seized control, breaking again to take the first set. This pattern of resilience has been seen in her previous matches, where she's demonstrated ability to adapt under pressure.

Sabalenka's capacity to overcome adversity was also evident in her match against Pavlyuchenkova at the Australian Open. Despite being pushed to the limit and dropping a set, Sabalenka ultimately prevailed, showcasing her mental toughness and skill. Similarly, in her match against Rybakina, Sabalenka saved four match points to secure a thrilling comeback victory. These instances highlight her ability to perform under pressure and turn the tide of a match in her favor.

Aryna Sabalenka faced a daunting challenge in the second set, trailing 0-40 in her opening service game. However, she flipped a switch, recovered, and held serve. This momentum shift propelled her to a 5-0 lead, leaving her opponent Rebeka Masarova struggling to keep pace.

Masarova managed to hold her serve, delaying the inevitable but ultimately unable to stem Sabalenka's tide. Sabalenka closed out the match with a convincing 7-5, 6-1 victory, showcasing her dominance on the court. With this win, Sabalenka advances to the second round, where she'll face unseeded Russian player Polina Kudermetova.

Upcoming Matchup

Sabalenka and Kudermetova have met once before, in the final of the Brisbane International earlier this year. Sabalenka came from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, claiming her first title of the season. Kudermetova, currently ranked 60th in the world, secured her spot in the second round after her opponent Nuria Parrizas-Diaz retired due to injury.