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Sabalenka Hits Back at Critics in US Open Title Defence

2026-09-01 · Aryna Sabalenka · Player Focus

Aryna Sabalenka started her US Open title defence with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. The win on Arthur Ashe Stadium came as the world No. 1 hit back at her critics and faces pressure on her top ranking after a challenging six months.

Sabalenka addresses critics after opening win

After her first-round victory, Sabalenza made her feelings clear about recent outside noise. "I'm so tired of the miserable haters," she told Sky Sports Tennis. The four-time Grand Slam winner explained she has learned to block out negative commentary. She said there will always be supporters and detractors, but she is choosing to trust her own process and focus on those who stand by her. Sabalenka's win featured 32 winners as she overpowered Osorio from the baseline.

World No. 1 ranking under threat

Sabalenka's position at the top of the women's game is not secure. She has failed to reach a final since completing the Sunshine Double in March, a run of about four months. This opens a path for Elena Rybakina to potentially take the No. 1 spot. Sabalenka said her strategy is to avoid looking back, whether at good or bad results. She believes focusing on the past can hinder performance, so she concentrates on staying in the present moment each day.

Sabalenka endorses WTA's genetic testing policy

In early August, Sabalenka publicly backed the WTA's new mandatory genetic testing protocol. The policy, introduced in July 2026, requires a one-time test for the SRY gene. "I think it's really important to keep the fairness in our tour," Sabalenka said on 4 August 2026. She stated that biological men are stronger, so competition would not be fair otherwise. The Belarusian, ranked No. 1 for 92 consecutive weeks, said she is happy to be tested to maintain a level playing field.

Path forward at Flushing Meadows

With the first hurdle cleared, Sabalenka's immediate focus is her second-round match. She is scheduled to face Russia's Polina Iatcenko next. A win there would move her closer to a rare 'three-peat' at the US Open, a feat last achieved in the women's draw by Serena Williams. Her opening performance was professional, with strong serving and aggressive baseline play sealing the match in straight sets.

  • Aryna Sabalenka defeated Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 in the US Open first round on 1 September 2026.
  • The world No. 1 has not reached a final since March, putting her top ranking at risk from Elena Rybakina.
  • Sabalenka supports the WTA's new genetic testing policy announced in July 2026.
  • She will play Polina Iatcenko in the second round as she seeks a third consecutive US Open title.

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