Sabalenka kicks off U.S. Open campaign with dominant win over Hon

NEW YORK: Aryna Sabalenka began her U.S. Open journey with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over qualifier Priscilla Hon on Monday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Belarusian, who narrowly missed the title last year and reached the semifinals in both 2021 and 2022, fought fiercely for every point in a powerful performance.

Sabalenka, fresh off a title win in Cincinnati, showcased her signature aggressive play, firing 27 winners to secure her spot in the second round, where she will face Italian Lucia Bronzetti. Despite not playing her best tennis, Sabalenka’s determination was evident.

“Even though I didn’t play my best tennis I was fighting for every point,” Sabalenka remarked after the match. “She played really aggressive, great tennis today. It wasn’t easy facing her in the first round.”

With the New York crowd backing her, the two-time Australian Open champion used her lethal forehand to break Hon in the opening game and maintained control throughout. Sabalenka, who had taken some time off this season to address injury concerns, sealed the match with a pair of forehand winners, celebrating with a restrained fist pump.