US Open: Sabalenka starts Title defence with Comfortable victory

World number one Aryna Sabalenka began her US Open title defence in style with a convincing win over Rebeka Masarova in New York.

The reigning champion recovered from a slow start to beat the Swiss player 7-5, 6-1, growing stronger as the match went on. Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to successfully retain the singles crown at Flushing Meadows.

In the men’s category, American star Ben Shelton opened his campaign on a high note. The sixth seed, who reached the semi-finals two years ago, defeated Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

The in-form 21-year-old is on track for a possible quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz.