Aryna Sabalenka Advances in U.S. Open After Overcoming Slow Start

New York, Aug 25 (AP) Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open, overcoming a challenging start in her opening match.

The top-seeded player defeated Swiss competitor Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1 on Sunday. While the match's outcome seemed decisive, it wasn't without its difficulties. Sabalenka fell behind early in the first set, both players remaining tightly contested until the champion managed to break away from a 5-5 tie.

Dominating the second set, Sabalenka only conceded one game before sealing her victory.

"I feel like I didn't start my best in the first games, but then I found my rhythm. Happy with the level I played today," Sabalenka remarked post-match.

She acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium for their support during the tight first set.

"When I won that set point and you were cheering me up, I had goosebumps while I was sitting," Sabalenka expressed on the court. "Your support means a lot to me, and thank you so much." The three-time Grand Slam champion has yet to win a title in three of this year's four major tournaments.

"I would love to finish the season with a Grand Slam and world No. 1," she said on Friday. "But I think if this goal is not going to be achieved, I'll still think that this season has been really amazing for me. All of those tough lessons I learned this season are only going to make me stronger for the next one." She is set to face Polina Kudermetova in the second round, having defeated her in their most recent encounter in Dubai last February.

(AP)

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