US Open 2025: Sabalenka begins title defence in style, Shelton cruises through opener

World number one Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her US Open title defence with a dominant display, powering past Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova in straight sets.

Despite a shaky start, Sabalenka found her rhythm to seal a 7-5, 6-1 victory, growing in confidence as the match wore on.

The Belarusian star is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to successfully defend the singles crown at Flushing Meadows, and her opening-round performance underlined her determination to achieve that milestone.

In the men’s draw, American sensation Ben Shelton got his campaign off to a flying start. The sixth seed, who famously reached the semi-finals in New York two years ago, eased past Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

The 21-year-old crowd favorite, currently in top form, is eyeing a potential blockbuster quarter-final clash with world number two Carlos Alcaraz as the tournament unfolds.