World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka wasted little time asserting her dominance at the US Open 2025, brushing aside Rebeka Masarova in straight sets to book her spot in the second round. The Belarusian, already a three-time Grand Slam champion, delivered a statement performance that reminded fans why she remains one of the most formidable forces on the WTA Tour.
A tricky opening set battle
While the scoreline of 7-5, 6-1 suggests a comfortable victory, the early stages of the match tested Sabalenka’s composure. Masarova, using her size and speed to put pressure on the top seed, had a golden opportunity to force a tiebreak late in the first set. Serving at 5-6, the Swiss player held the chance to extend the contest but faltered at a crucial point.
Sabalenka’s relentless defense kept her alive in the rally, and Masarova’s mishit ultimately swung the momentum firmly in favor of the Belarusian. Against the likes of Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, or Coco Gauff, such lapses would have been costly, but Aryna Sabalenka capitalized on the moment to take control.
Confidence collapse for Masarova
Once the first set slipped away, Masarova’s confidence appeared to crumble. The second set became a one-sided affair as Sabalenka raced to a commanding 3-0 lead. The Swiss player’s body language betrayed her frustrations, and a double fault at 0-3 only deepened the hole.
Though Masarova managed to salvage one game while trailing 0-5, the writing was already on the wall. Aryna Sabalenka wrapped up the set 6-1, securing victory in just over an hour.
Aryna Sabalenka’s consistency remains her weapon
For Sabalenka, this match reinforced the strength of her mental resilience. While critics often point to her struggles in finals compared to rivals like Swiatek, her ability to power through early-round challenges showcases why she remains the most consistent player on the circuit. Her aggressive baseline game, coupled with improved defensive skills, gives her the edge to handle opponents who cannot sustain pressure for long stretches.
Speaking about her mindset after the win, Aryna Sabalenka reflected:
“It’s always about staying focused, especially in the first rounds. I knew I had to fight for every point, and once I found my rhythm, things became easier.”
What’s next for Sabalenka?
Sabalenka’s road at Flushing Meadows only gets tougher from here. In the second round, she will face the rising Russian talent Polina Kudermetova, a player who has been steadily climbing the rankings with her aggressive game and fearlessness against top seeds.
If Aryna Sabalenka can maintain her intensity and avoid lapses like the one Masarova nearly exploited, she will remain a strong favorite not just for the next round but for the title itself.