Aryna Sabalenka Cruises into US Open Second Round with Convincing Victory

New York, August 24, 2025 - World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka surged past Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1, to advance to the second round of the 2025 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion and the defending US Open titleholder, faced her sternest test of the match in the opening set. Masarova, ranked No. 109, pushed the top seed to 5-6 before Sabalenka’s relentless defense forced a critical error on Masarova’s serve, allowing the Belarusian to break at the eleventh game and close out the set 7-5.

Once the first set slipped away, Masarova’s composure unraveled. Sabalenka surged to a 3-0 lead in the second set. Her strong groundstrokes and accurate serves made it tough for the Swiss qualifier. Masarova saved one break point, but she couldn’t stop Sabalenka. Sabalenka won the match 6-1 in just over an hour.

““Every Grand Slam match is tough, but I’m pleased with how I managed the key moments,” Sabalenka said afterward. ““I stayed focused in the crucial points and executed my game plan.”

Sabalenka dominated her match and will now face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the second round. She aims to secure back-to-back US Open titles.